The Body of Fashion
After 12 years retailing high-end fashion in Encino, Calif., Galit Rich and Teddy Zach opened their second store, Body, in Beverly Hills in November 2003. Some might say Rich and Zach have jumped into a crowded market.
Their 1,500-square-foot store is located at 210 S. Beverly Blvd.—down the street from established retail powerhouses Ron Herman–Beverly Hills, Ann Taylor, Jill Roberts, Club Monaco and Anthropologie— but Rich believes the market for the latest styles is just growing in her new neighborhood. “The crowd is young and fashionable here,” she said.
The hunch must have been good because fashion has been selling, thanks in large part to a loyal clientele. Rich said 80 percent of the customers at the Beverly Hills boutique have shopped at the Encino store, also called Body.
Los Angeles designer Black Halo’s “Twisted” dresses have sold well because of their vibrant colors, unique low cut and midriff gathering. The dresses retail for $195.
New York–based designer Walter’s silk, low-back halter tops, which retail for $99, have been going fast. Bianca Branaman’s multitasking pieces—that can be worn as tunic tops or dresses—sell for $105.
More straightforward are miniskirts designed by Los Angeles–based Ya-Ya. The silk and silk chiffon minis, which retail for $242, feature unique floral embroidery.
On the guy’s side of the shop, fashion favorites have included woven shirts by Italian designer Andrea Palombini. Retailing for $99, these shirts with long collars and narrow bodies feature unique details, such as a fashionable double stitching.
And because Body is a Southern California store, there’s no escaping the denim. The front half of the shop is dedicated to the latest in jeans. Most popular have been styles from Los Angeles– based True Religion, whose price points hover around $170. Other top contenders are the cuffed capri denim pants by Adriano Goldschmied that sell for $120 and guys’ jeans by Da’mage that sell for $165. Also popular are jeans by Chip & Pepper and James.
Other sportwear stars include light women’s tops by Los Angeles–based Splendid. For guys, vintage-inspired T-shirts by Brand Sportswear are in and fetching $40 apiece. —Andrew Asch
