L.A. vintage maven Marie Monsod has opened a second store filled with pre-loved luxury labels.
The 90210 has landed a chic new playground for designer vintage treasures. Recess has opened its second L.A. boutique in Beverly Hills, bringing a curated selection of pre-loved fashion to cozy North Cañon Drive.
Already a home decor and fashion mainstay on La Brea Boulevard and in Palm Springs, Recess' third boutique will focus on wares for the wardrobe, though small home goods will be on offer. The new 1,800-square-foot store boasts Hollywood Regency design and more touches that pay homage to the decadence of decades past. It's anchored by bold pink terrazzo flooring, "the first design element we knew we wanted to incorporate. We have long admired this type of flooring that you see all over Europe and in airports," Recess founder/co-owner Marie Monsod tells UncoverLA.
The boutique also features eye-popping green wall treatments, purple velvet changing room curtains, seating with gold bamboo and lucite touches, and a statement-making ruby red ceiling – a nod to Monsod and co-owner/husband Ian Shepp's most beloved treasure: their daughter.
"We have had the idea to expand for a few years and this year felt right after having our daughter, Ruby. Life is fast, so we wanted to finally do it," explains Monsod, a maven of L.A.'s vintage fashion scene and a regular exhibitor at A Current Affair, the iconic vintage market that takes place in L.A. and NYC. "We did take our time finding the right space and after looking at many areas, we honed in on Cañon Drive and loved the community vibe as well as the surrounding businesses." (The store is right across the street from the stylish Maybourne Hotel and Beverly Cañon Gardens, which makes for the perfect European-inspired post-shopping hangout.)
Given that vintage and pre-loved pieces are already one-of-a-kind in nature, "the inventory will of course be different in that we only have one of everything. However, it will be a little more curated as the store is not as big as our La Brea location. We also will not be mixing inventory from both stores, so what comes into each store will stay at that store, which makes it fun for our customers as each location will always have different inventory," adds Monsod.
Expect to shop vintage and modern pre-loved dresses, tops, jumpsuits, coats, kimonos, accessories, and costume and fine jewelry from such designers as Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler, Roberto Cavalli, Dior, Valentino, Kenneth Jay Lane, Bill Blass, Leonard, Halston, Diane Dickinson, and others. You'll also find Monsod's own line of statement-making jewelry – think 1960s-inspired hoop drop earrings encrusted with crystals that'll pair perfectly with head-turning holiday ensembles.
"Ian and I are all about everything vintage, and we feel it's a lifestyle from clothing to home to travel. We honestly believe in making things happen and seizing the moment, so if we can do it now, why not try now," says Monsod.
For those who want to bring the past into their present style, Monsod says it's never been a better time to be a vintage enthusiast – and curate a more eco-conscious closet.
"You can really create your own sense of style with just a few vintage pieces. You can follow trends or do whatever you want. There are so many decades of fashion behind us and we are very fortunate to experience fashion from all eras. To be able to wear a '60s dress with an '80s jacket, a '70s necklace and '90s heels is special and inspirational. We really love what we do and love sharing our passion with our customers and friends, while recycling at the same time," she adds.
Recess, 220 North Cañon Dr., Suite A, Beverly Hills, 90210; Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m.
