Emma Gold Rings Up Sales With L.A. Designers

Angeleno looks are selling strong at the Emma Gold boutique in Los Angeles, according to owner Mark Goldstein, who notes the success of two local designers.

Shoppers are purchasing the snap-front, Western-inspired ruffle blouses from clothing line Ladies of the Canyon. The 7-month-old venture from Vanessa Vazquez and Jessie Gainsley features feminine/tomboy looks. Flirty blouses, gaucho pants and cropped terry cloth sets are also part of the lineup.

T-shirts with a sophisticated spin are the gimmick behind dd by Koi’s designs. Created by designer Nunthirat Suwannagate, the all-cotton shirts have shirred sides and flower appliqueacute;s, all crafted from the same material. The shirts come in solids and multiple colors, such as the orange-red-and-black V-neck tank sewn together in strips into a swirl-front design. Customers can also order the designs in different colors, said store manager Tara Mayhew.

The local lines are part of the change in focus at 2 1/2-year-old Emma Gold, which originally carried more European labels. Goldstein, who also owns Madison—with Los Angeles-area locations on Robertson Boulevard, at Brentwood Gardens and at the Malibu Country Mart—said Los Angeles designers often have a better handle on what the area’s shoppers are looking for.

“They understand the lifestyle here,” he said.

Looks that are ebbing include the ubiquitous, flashy-colored terry cloth suits and glittery T-shirts.

“Those studded and rhinestone looks are slowing down,” Mayhew said, noting Joomi Joolz items are on the wane.—Nola Sarkisian-Miller