Photography by Jeffery Van Fox
The
idea behind naming Vault - the new, atypical, upscale men's boutique
in Downtown Laguna Beach - was inspired by its previous occupant, a
bank. The retired building has kept most of its vault-like
structures, only now the preserved jagged walls have collided with
music-inspired fashion. Old wires that haphazardly protrude from the
inside walls in a dozen directions have been spray painted to a
copper hue and hold up denims and fedoras. An electric guitar hangs
as centerpiece from the ceiling, cradled by more wires. According to
co-owner Johnny Alper, all this drives the idea of putting an edge
to the store.
In 1993, Alper and Gila Leibovitch opened the
first of their clothing boutiques in Los Angeles, and kept the
attention of Angelenos by offering an edgy assortment of couture and
international designer labels. Their growing popularity has led them
to launch their latest - and fifth - boutique. Opened in October
2006 and occupying a mere 700 square feet, this modern boutique for
menswear is attracting an array of Orange County locals. And with
some of the most ultra-hip, chic clothing and accessories available
only for the masculine, The Vault is a nice addition among the array
of women's stores in Laguna Beach's downtown shopping
scene.
Leibovitch and Alper fly out twice a year to fashion
hubs such as Paris, Italy and Turkey to attend fashion shows and
work with European manufacturers to find the hottest trends to fill
their boutiques. "We want to take the sophisticated and successful
businessman from the boardroom and [dress him] for the club, party
or social event," Leibovitch says. "We want to get those men out of
their Tommy Bahama's."
Indeed. Some labels at The Vault
include Antik Denim, 575, Italian brand Mondo di Marco, ABS, Jo
Ghost, 9Lives, Lion Head, denim legend Parasuco and Vannucci Couture
(a favorite of Sting). These and other hard-to-find designers are
just one way this boutique by the beach is inspiring men's fashion
to avant garde levels. "Our pieces tend to make people feel younger
and hip," Leibovitch says, adding that her favorite designers are
Robert Graham, Ted Baker, Mark Nason and Just Cavalli.
They
have patchwork pageboy hats, leather jackets embellished with
rhinestone fleur de lis, cashmere and argyle sweaters by A&G,
and Donald J. Pliner boots - the tag reading "made in the mountains
of Italy." Just as magnificent is a leather belt by Ivy, its buckle
shaped as a crown, jewels embedded and set in pony hair. Pendants,
rings, cufflinks, even jeweled beanies from Leather & Treasures
and Chrome Hearts are displayed in glass using the actual vault
doorframe.
Both Leibovitch and Alper are passionate about
their business of "making fashion dreams come true." People return
to the store just to tell them about the compliments they get from
wearing items from The Vault. "People are so happy about what they
find here to the point that we've probably saved a few marriages,"
Alper says.
Fashion Lockdown.
WHAT The Vault
WHERE 381 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach
INFO Call 949.376.4000 or visit
http://www.premiermen.com/WHEN 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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