Julia Melbourne is one of those stylish globetrotters that is transforming Los Angeles into a new style mecca. After an extensive career in London and Paris, working with brands such as Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela and Tabitha Simmons, she is now bringing her experience to the west coast with Iris Public Relations, her bespoke VIP, Events and Communications Agency.  Below she shares her guide to the best of what LA has to offer:

THINGS TO DO WHILE VISITING LOS ANGELES

Frieze Art Fair

Frieze returns to Los Angeles in February for its second year. It’s always such a fun week with gallery events, dinners and innovative programming. Last year White Cube took over the Chateau Marmont complete with an entire marching band. The team at Matches Fashion used the New York streets at Paramount studios to recreate their Carlos Place townhouse in London, hosting an impeccably curated programme of unique talks and workshops, by leading film-makers, artists, designers, producers and costume designers.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Throughout the summer there are various outdoor film screenings including Hollywood Forever, one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. Each weekend, Cinespia screens cult films as the sun sets. It’s where Gucci hosted an epic Halloween party and ‘We The Women’ (a collective fostering community through theatre) hosted a wake for 2019. There are so many exciting creatives and collectives in LA supporting and celebrating amazing causes including Yola Mezcal, who hosted an all-female line up festival at the Historic Park last Summer, and Gia Coppola Wine which partners with and supports smaller non-profits.

The Eames Foundation, Pacific Palisades

There are various architectural tours and private homes open for visits around the city. The Eames House, designed and built by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949, was their home and studio until 1988. The modernist house with it’s stunning Mondrian-style exterior, has been preserved exactly as it was and nestles into the hillside with incredible ocean and scenic garden views. It’s on West side of town so easy to tie in with a trip to Malibu.

The Huntington, Pasadena

The Huntington Library has sixteen beautiful themed Botanical Gardens including Japanese (Cherry blossom and bonsai collection) Rose, Cactus, sculpture and palm as well as conservatories, galleries and exhibition halls.  It’s on the same side of town as the Rose Bowl flea which is on the second Sunday of every month.

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN LA

Villa Carlotta, Hollywood

Franklin Village is a very special neighbourhood in Hollywood, close to Los Feliz and Beachwood Canyon and home to the iconic 1920’s Villa Carlotta. Over the years, the historical cultural monument has been home to some incredible names through the golden ages of Hollywood and beyond, including Jim Morrison, Montgomery Clift and David O.Selznick. After being restored to its original glory, the villa re-opened and became the number one location in Hollywood for the fashion, film and art world for extended stays while filming and during award season. The apartments feature original 1920s kitchens and Juliet balconies, there’s also a palm garden and rooftop with the best view of the Hollywood sign. Last summer a clubhouse opened with five bedrooms opening up onto the pool, which is hidden away in a private garden.

Shopping:

For shopping, there are tons of secret vintage spots to be discovered. For the best designer edit head to Dover Street Market, which opened in the arts district just over a year ago and have some of the best installations, events and collaborations as well as Idea Books.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN LOS ANGELES?

Golden hour / hikes / road-tripping

One of the best things about living in LA is the limitless options for hikes to take in the best views and perspective of the city. Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and Runyon are definitely worth visiting. Mulholland is a great drive; head from Hollywood to Laurel Canyon and spot the Hollywood Bowl and Studio City.

There’s so much to explore on the west coast. Last summer we took a trip starting in San Francisco and drove along the pacific coast highway stopping en-route in the fishing towns and whale watching-spots of Carmel, Monterrey, the redwood-lined rugged stretch of Big Sur down to Santa Barbara and ending in Ojai at a beautiful vineyard in the mountains.

Dining

The Brooklyn-based Five Leaves from the team behind old NYC favourite Hotel Delmano, opened their East Hollywood restaurant last year and it’s a great local spot serving everything from oysters and rose, brunch or a casual dinner with friends in a beautiful art deco space. Petit Trois is right next to sister restaurant Trois Mec and you can grab a seat at the bar to see the open kitchen. Try Kismet for Lebanese and last but by no means least, LA has some of the best coffee shops and diners with authentic retro fittings, booths and jukeboxes.