Turning the Page

After what seems like an eternity of dreary, damp weather, the idea of summertime fun and adventure is more than just a wish—it’s a necessity. The thought of being able to shed our sweaters and boots and instead slip into light, breezy clothing and feel the sun on our skin seems almost too good to be true. Our fashion shoot and cover for this issue dream of sunny skies and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

This issue celebrates some of the South Bay’s finest creative people. The colorful photography of Brooke Wilen is an ode to the beauty that surrounds us every day. Her photographs feature bright, saturated colors and playful compositions that evoke a sense of joy and remind us of the vibrant energy of the beach. We feature Dasha Simpson, the founder of Umay, a floral and ceramics atelier that places the wonder and purity of nature into your home with an elevated, earthy aesthetic.

We also explore a few new stores in the South Bay. The charming Le Bien-Vivant studio shop in Manhattan Beach showcases design aficionado Antoinette Loupe’s Afro-chic/French designs. The Aloha Bungalow in Redondo Beach is the living embodiment of a young couple’s dream of spreading love while supporting young local artisans. And Manhattan Beach welcomes California-born clothing brand PAIGE, whose founder, Paige Adams-Geller, is far more than a designer and entrepreneur. She is an advocate and philanthropist fighting for women in a male-dominated industry, and her story is inspiring and powerful.

As a longtime fan of Gwyneth Paltrow and her goop lifestyle brand, I am excited to share the story of Gwyneth’s goop Kitchen, now open in El Segundo. The idea is to make clean eating easy, quick and accessible— a concept that is well aligned with the South Bay’s healthy lifestyle.

The promise of summer feels like a beacon of hope. This issue is a celebration of the warm, sunny days that are sure to come.

Tanya Monaghan Guest Editor

May 2023

French Connection

Antoinette Loupe shares a taste of France at Le Bien-Vivant in Downtown Manhattan Beach. More on page 62.