YOUR HIT LIST – A STYLIST’S GUIDE TO ‘L.A. FASHION WEEK’
Can I Get Some Runway Please?!
See you in the front row!
MEET ABC UNIVERSITY…BECAUSE IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL…
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With one month left in the year, and being as they’re half-way through their threat of “drinking their way through Los Angeles A to Z,” we figured now was a good time to tell you about our friends at ABC University. ABC University is (according to their website) “a group by and for young professionals not quite yet ready to close the book on our college years. Of course, we’re not only young professionals… we’re students, actors, artists, dancers, singers, gymnasts, unemployed, employed, face painters, philanthropists, Greek brothers & sisters, GDIs, consultants, iBankers, kickballers, professional beer drinkers, and wine connoisseurs. We’re singles, couples, married, and in open complicated relationships. We’re everyone and anyone who’s looking for a good night. “
Created by L.A. movers and shakers Danielle Deveau, Tim Travers, and Valerie Wang –who “over the course of a year,” they intend (and have done so for letters A to L so far) to “visit LA’s finest bars in alphabetical order. With “events scheduled for every other week, alternating between Thursdays and Fridays at 7 PM they are determined to fulfill their “quest to explore the entire city one letter at a time.” all the while providing happy hour, drink and food, specials for their “students”
To date the L.A. nightlife/bar destinations that have served as the ABC University “classrooms” of sorts have included: The Arsenal, Busby’s West, Cat & Fiddle, Dillon’s Pub, Essex Public House, Finn McCools, The Garter, The Happy Ending Bar, Ireland 32, Joe’s Great American Bar, Kung Pao Kitty, and Liquid Kitty. Maeve’s Residuals in Studio City will serve as the backdrop for the “after school” socializing and drinking this upcoming Thursday at 7pm, go to www.abcuniversityla.com for full details.
(click on images to enlarge)
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TRAffIK: Where did the idea of ABC University come from and how did each of you get involved?
ABC U: Back in Spring of 2010, there was an article in the New York Times about a group of young professionals in NYC who visited a different bar every other week in alphabetical order. We researched their group, and discovered that there was a similar group in both Boston and Pittsburgh. The group was small, and we knew given the Los Angeles market and demographic we could turn this idea into a much bigger vision here in LA.
Danielle and Tim started Traveau back in early Spring as an event staffing and marketing company. When they brought Valerie on in May, Valerie introduced the ABC idea. After a few letters, we realized the potential of ABC and decided to focus all of our energies into it for the time being.
TRAffIK:Does this follow the same format as the New York version?
ABC U: Yes and no. New York is simply a “Meet-up.” We are meeting up at this place on this date and time. Their events are more a 7 to 9 PM “networking” after work cocktail type of organization. Our events have turned into everyone’s destination place for the night. People come anytime between 7 and 10 PM and most stay until closing (2 AM). Our group has exponentially grown in the past 6- months. I think this has to do with the fact that we put our “students” first and make sure we take care of them before anything else. For this reason, we contact the bars in advance, work out private areas, exclusive drink and food specials, and try to comp cover (when applicable) and discount parking (when possible). The NYC, Boston, and Pittsburgh club does none of these.
The NYC club is also a CLUB. We noticed that most people loved their experience in college and wish they could extend these years without all of the homework and class. ABC University based its foundation off of the fact that most people wish they were still living the college life. Hence, the group’s names, themes, etc.
TRAffIK: What did you feel qualified you all, as creators of ABC University, to start something like this?
ABC U: We’ve always been the organizers of social groups and functions. Valerie hosts multiple parties each year and consistently sees an attendance of 50 to 75. Her parties have built a reputation in LA and many go to her to find out what is “Hot” in LA. She is also a full time event producer and has lots of experience planning events and parties for MTV, PBS, and other places. Before moving to LA, Valerie was the Event and Marketing Director for a Nightclub in her college town, Ann Arbor. Danielle has years of experience coordinating events and travel for major companies. She currently freelances for several event companies and is a part-time bartender. In addition, she has connections to many young professionals through her ties to multiple kickball leagues. Tim has experience in several aspects of the entertainment/nightlife industry including liquor sponsorships, bartending, bar managing and at one point he even owned his own bartending and staffing company. Combining the three founder’s networks and connections gave us a base of over 5000 to start with. This plus our experience and reputations in LA helped make ABC into what it is today.
TRAffIK: If you could describe ABC U with three words what would they be?
ABC U: Friends, Drinks, Fun
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TRAffIK: Since a couple of the creators of ABC U hold bartending as part of their arsenal of skills, do you think this helps you to be more discerning and selective in the bar-picking process?
ABC U: Not necessarily. We always base the bars off of what we think would be best for our students. We look at: space, prices, parking, and atmosphere. The places MUST offer a “college” feel. Whether this is a laid-back Irish pub or a swanky cocktail lounge doesn’t matter — the place must be high energy, no red carpet, no secret lines… basically none of the “Hollywood” a-list scene.
TRAffIK: It seems like you tried to make the “enrollment” process as simple as possible, those interested in joining ABC University in the debauchery can either just show up at the events or also fill out the online form. Is it necessary that they fill out the form before showing up or to participate at all? Or is the form just meant to help you get an idea of who is coming out to your events so that you can make sure to pick locations that would appeal to a majority of the attendees?
ABC U: No. You do not need to fill out our online form to participate. Our online form gets you on our mailing list. This is a GREAT way to hear and learn about our future events. It is also a good way to see pictures and get insider information on specials that we will sometimes work out for our students (i.e. in August, we invited our students to an exclusive Heineken party in Culver City. Free cover, open bar, free drinks. It was a lot of fun).
The form helps us with our demographics. We also plan to use some of this information (i.e. people’s selected majors) for our Graduation “ceremony” at the end of the year.
The form’s main purpose is to make people feel like they are actually part of a community, and to also contribute to the “school” theme.
TRAffIK: What did you originally strive for ABC U to be and do you feel that it has accomplished that or surpassed the original expectations?
ABC U: We originally wanted ABC University to be a social club — a way to explore the city one letter at a time for our friends and neighbors. We originally envisioned ABC U as an after-cocktail hour networking group. It has completely surpassed our original expectations. Our events are seeing attendance numbers higher than we ever thought (Bar H was up to 200). Our students are staying until 2 AM, planning their schedules and weekends around ABC, meeting new people, making new friends… ABC has revolutionized many people’s social circles, groups of friends, and weekend plans. It is a GREAT way for young professionals in LA to meet new people and make new friends.
We are also being approached by liquor companies, drink companies (i.e. BarTab), event companies (i.e. Max Entertainment Group), to create partnerships and cross-promotional relationships.
I truly believe our success has been simple word-of-mouth by our students. We create fun events so that everyone who comes continues to come to future letters and events. When the student has fun, chances are they will bring their friends next time. If their friends have fun, they’ll continue to come back and its one gigantic snowball effect.
TRAffIK: What are some of the things that you have to do behind the scenes prior to the events to ensure a fun experience for the ABC U students?
ABC U: We meet with the bars before each event to arrange for spacing, specials, etc. We create ribbons for students celebrating birthdays with us and for students who’s names start with the letter of the alphabet that we are currently on (they receive additional specials). We also theme some of our events and try to host games (i.e. beer pong tournaments) when possible.
TRAffIK: If ABC U had a mascot what would it be (or if it has one, what is it?)?
ABC U: The ABC mascot would be either a cocktail or a keg. This is a GREAT idea. We do not have one yet but will definitely be putting this up for a vote to out students!
TRAffIK: How has the reception been by L.A. residents to ABC U?
ABC U: Amazing! Everyone wants to know who we are and how they can join. Even people who grew up in LA are constantly looking for ways to make new friends. Once you’re out of college, even for people who went to college here in LA, it is very difficult to meet new people.
TRAffIK: How would you describe the “students” of ABC U?
ABC U: Our students are fun young professionals who like to go out, enjoy a few cocktails and meet new people. They are outgoing, adventurous and like to have a good time!
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TRAffIK: What can people expect at an ABC U event?
ABC U: Lots of people. Lots of fun. Lots of nametags. New friends. Lots of new stories.
TRAffIK: Have there been any “students” with perfect attendance? Do these students get special rewards?
ABC U: Yes. At ABC we reward attendance. We have three levels: Valedictorian (perfect attendance), Dean’s List (80%), Honor Roll (50%). These students will all get rewards at Graduation (reward still TBD). However, when we get free things, we decide who gets them based off of attendance. For example, the company BarTab gave us about 100 free drinks to give our students. Our Valedictorian students got 5 free drinks, our Dean’s List students got 2, and our Honor Roll students got 1.
TRAffIK: With so many bars in a city like Los Angeles, how do you all choose what bar from each letter you will hold each ABC U event at?
ABC U: We research several bars for each letter. We primarily choose based on the space, the vibe and the drink specials we can work out with the bar. We try to get the best for our students.
TRAffIK: In order to be a contender for a spot as a bar that ABC U holds an event/happy hour at what does it need to have?
ABC U: It needs to have the right capacity (we don’t ever want our students waiting in line or turned away), a good selection of drinks and management willing to negotiate specials.
TRAffIK: How have bar owners/staff reacted when approached with the idea of holding an ABC event there and knowing that they were picked out of so many other L.A. bars to represent that letter of the alphabet?
ABC U: Generally speaking, the bar managers/owners LOVE the idea of ABC and are excited to have us at their bar. Most bars have bent over backwards to accommodate our group because they see the value in us. There have been a few, who will we not work with (or work with again), who think they are “too good” for us and does not see the value in 100+ new customers. This is the exact type of bar we avoid, because we are trying to work with bars who will put our students first.
TRAffIK: How far in advance of the event do you announce each letter’s bar pick? (more…)
‘PIONEER TO THE FALLS’ – MEET MICHELLE MARINI (PART II of II)
(photo by Jessy Plume for TRAFFIK)
“If you’re going Downtown, I may as well be on your way“
– “Downtown” by Tegan and Sara
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In Part One of our feature on nightlife proprietor Michelle Marini, we discussed a little bit of her personal history with “tinseltown” and the City of Angels (if you missed it you can click here to read it). In Part Two, we will be learning a little more about her influences, current project, and what she hopes to accomplish with this new venture.
In January of 2009 we asked Michelle Marini, what she would like to tackle next. She responded with, “I’m angling to open a small bar in Gallery Row Downtown. It’s a super artsy, fashion-minded community that’s in the making.”
Intrigued, our conversation continued.
Why Downtown? What made the idea of opening something up Downtown first pop into your head?
Marini enthusiastically replied, “During Artwalk. Fall ‘08 I believe. I felt like I was in Manhattan, and loved it!”
Ultimately, this decision and idea eventually evolved into the newest addition to the already popular Spring Street area Downtown, The Falls (interior pictured below, photo originally published here) –a lounge that boasts a delectable drink menu concocted by Marini and her partner Al Ameida, replete with cocktails featuring natural juices as one of the ingredients is located in the City Lofts Building (626 S. Spring St. L.A, CA 90014). The LA Times described it as “kind of like if the ’70s and the ’40s mated and had a casually stylish baby.”
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Recently, we decided to pick back up with the questions to give everyone more insight into what went into the Falls and what to expect when you set foot into it.
TRAffIK: On any given night you could be found mixing with the Downtown locals (and now neighbors of the Falls) whether it was taking in the nightlife at places like the Association or taking in the Art during the monthly Downtown Artwalks, do you think this has helped you to gain an understanding of the folks that currently make up the Downtown scene?
MM: No! Now that we’re open I realized I didn’t have a clue. The folks that have been coming in have been awesome, as I expected. And we’re gaining new locals day by day. I have noticed, however, that people are very loyal to their blocks. Some friends came over from Spring and 4th. I joked, wow, you traveled ALL that way?! And they answered that they usually go to The Must, which is right where they live. And coming down to The Falls was a trek. So it’s been a bit of a challenge being the new bar. Plus I suspect since I had Lava Lounge and now The Woods we might be considered “Hollywood,” which we really are not.
TRAffIK: What do you hope your patrons feel when they step into the Falls and what kind of experience should they expect?
MM: The bar is cozy, but a bit glamorous at the same time. I hope they feel at home, but clever that they have discovered this cool little spot.
TRAffIK: We mentioned how supportive you have been of the Downtown businesses, in general when you go out for the evening what does that consist of and what type of service do you expect?
MM: I feel like my trips out are always research for future projects. I try to make it at least once to as many new spots as best I can. I’m particularly interested in the new boutique bars that custom mix drinks to your current whim, and even chip ice the texture that suits the concoction.
TRAffIK: Do you have any favorite places in LA that you frequent and why?
MM: For months I really haven’t had much time to go out, and I suppose I frequent the bars that I am personally involved in (invested financially) most. I do not have a favorite bar other than my very own yet– but, I really admire my neighbor [downtown] bars like Varnish, the Association, Las Perlas. I also love Roger Room or Lubitsch for drinks, and admire the concept of La Descarga. I also used to like the Chalet in Eagle Rock when it was around, but it was so damn far.
‘PIONEER TO THE FALLS’ – MEET MICHELLE MARINI (PART I of II)
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(photos of Michelle Marini inside of the Woods by Jessy Plume for TRAffIK- click on images to enlarge)
Fresh from the grand opening of her new Downtown Los Angeles lounge, The Falls (626 S. Spring St. L.A, CA 90014), eternally youthful and fashion savvy Michelle Marini (co-owner of the Woods 1533 N. La Brea Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028) has demonstrated time and time again to the “City of Angels” that she has staying power.
In a city where good-looking people can be found on every corner, it’s just as easy to write them off as it is to notice them. Why should we? They’ll be replaced by at least dozens more in just a few months or even weeks. San Francisco Bay area native Marini, is an exception to that rule. Possessing both good looks along with business savvy and an inclination towards the arts and creative expression (which she’s incorporated in some form or another into all of her ventures), Marini is anything but dismissible and has demonstrated that she can hang with the big boys without giving up her high-heeled shoes.
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Fashion is a “manifestation of my mood, changing every day, likely three times a day.”–Michelle Marini
On the surface, Marini may appear as just another typical Hollywood socialite type as she could rival many of those that appear on the covers, pages, and segments of “those” magazines and shows that plague the city with paparazzi. One of the first things you’ll notice about her is her fashion-forward attire. Although we would definitely agree that Marini, hands down has a much better fashion sense than most of those socialites (who more often than not count on the aide of stylists). Citing Rachel Zoe as someone whose style she admires, “I’d watch her show, Rachel Zoe Project, over and over, just drooling. Her vintage pieces captivated me the most.” Marini describes her fashion style as, “seeing fashion as a manifestation of my mood, changing every day, likely three times a day. I love the 60’s and 70’s eras most.”
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Her love for those eras was further exemplified after revealing that she would love it if moustaches (which she describes as so “70’s cheesy/sexy”) on men and big huge top hat sized bee hive fall type wigs (“60’s glam at it’s height”) made a comeback.
When asked if she felt there was anything lacking in the world of fashion this day in age, Marini stated, “The only thing I miss is that it’s impossible to make a defining statement with fashion. I was a teenage punker, really put some people off, which is exactly what I set out to do. You can’t accomplish that easily now, everything is accepted by the mainstream.”
Although a trendsetter from the womb and yet despite that “young punker” desire to be an individual, even her “How I Got to L.A.” story is actually quite relatable and typical of many of those that make up this city’s population. “[I] was at UCB [as] a Biology major, changed to Art and transferred to UCLA. Plus, I was dating the guitar player from SoCal Punk band TSOL, so that was a bit of the draw,” states Marini.
It was the following that solidified Marini as a rare individual, who walked the walk and not just talked the talk.
“I used to hang out at Three Clubs Bar an inordinate amount of time. Then, in 1992, there was hardly anywhere else to go. I figured Hollywood needed another bar and I’d be the gal to do it. And, no, I did not have an inch of experience at the time.”
A short time later the Lava Lounge was born (which a few years ago she turned into the Woods, but we’ll get to that), the friendly little tiki bar, which most Angelenos and visitors to the city will know this unassuming blonde from best.
Initially, the Lava Lounge was to be a haven for Marini’s expansive circle of friends, or as Marini describes “an 
intimate clubhouse,” however, due to it’s prime location in Hollywood (located off of Sunset Blvd. and La Brea Blvd.) “later, when it caught on, we had to have Gold Cards made with people’s names on them to make sure they could get in front of the throng,” Marini revealed.
Lava Lounge was an oddity among the surrounding establishments that made up the pretentious Hollywood nightlife, which inadvertently at times did become a “haven” to Hollywood celebrities who wanted to go somewhere where they could fly under the radar and have a drink. (more…)
When Am I Ever Going to Grow Up?
I wrote the title for this and it made me giggle silently to myself. The problem with the title is that I’m a 33 year old, with three kids and am completely responsible with a home under my belt to prove it. I throw dinner parties, birthday parties, cook for all of my friends and I can even make a killer Martini. The issue is that I’m 33 years old and still think like I’m 17 about a lot of silly things. I’ll give you a few examples to explain, the most recent happening a few weeks ago.
The Pixies were in town. This is one of, if not my absolute favorite bands. Ok, it’s neck and neck with The Pixies, The Clash, Minor Threat and Black Flag – but you get the idea. Now the last few times The Pixies have been in town one of two things occurred. I got so excited that I drank too much and ended up far more drunk than I should have been and had to be babysat all night by an unhappy boyfriend and or I would get so excited that would literally not be able to stop jumping around and or would get annoyed with the people around me because I couldn’t figure out for the life of me why they were all standing there staring at the most amazing band and NOT jumping around?
So The Pixies announced their Doolittle Tour and then I found out it was at The Hollywood Palladium. The HOLLYWOOD FUCKING PALLADIUM – where I spent almost every month, in my youth, watching some of the most amazing shows of all time (for the 90’s that is). I was thrilled and very much beginning to revert to the 17 year old. I was listening to Doolittle over and over again. Counting down the days till the show! However, I was also promising myself that I wouldn’t drink too much so I could really enjoy the show. I wore a cute skirt, put on some pretty make-up, and showed up on time with a friend that I had convinced needed to see this band with me. Off we went. I had a cocktail before I left the house and thought – Perfect – this is going swimmingly! Then I show up at the show and someone I know hands me a water bottle and says, “Here drink this quick” (It didn’t have water in it – by the way). So I do. Now, I am entering The Palladium and ever more excited!!! Woo-Hoo – The Pixies!!!! Then I think I should grab a beer because I am not leaving the show for anything!!! (more…)
Music as Background Noise
Damn You, Hollywood. Again.
Cast your mind back a few weeks. The air was cleaner, the world made sense, and herds of adorable golden retriever puppies roamed the streets spreading good will. And a younger, fresher-faced Eric Summer wrote an internet column which happened to mention that he thought most people didn’t really like music all that much–that they regarded it as little more than background noise.
Well, the long weeks have passed, and I have spent my time in quiet contemplation as I’ve grown older, and I think I have it pinned down as to why people think of music as background noise. As is usually the case in these matters, I blame Hollywood.
This train of thought began, as most of my trains of thought do, with Star Wars. I was driving home from work one day and I heard John Williams’ Star Wars score on the radio. I was happy to hear it. I like Star Wars. A lot. And as I listened, I realized I remembered exactly where most of the dialogue from the movies fit with the score. It was uncanny. So I drove on home, quoting Star Wars happily to myself and thinking. And then it dawned on me, clear and bright as a summer cliché: this score is inextricably tied with the movie it belongs to. It is simply impossible to separate the two. Any merit it has as a piece of music is completely dependent upon the pictures that go with it.
Which is not to say that it’s ineffective; far from it. It is a wonderful movie score, filled with memorable themes and underlining the emotional context of each scene it supports. But it doesn’t work without the movie. (more…)