As glitzy and glamorous as Hollywood parties are, most of the time they’re straightforward affairs — read: show up, pose, sip drink, sneak out. But Stella McCartney has become known for her kooky sensibility when it comes to her pre-collection presentations, often drawing the biggest stars to the most unexpected places. Tuesday night’s pre-fall showing was no exception. Last week, mere mortals began buzzing when cult record store Amoeba Records posted a chance to win two tickets to “a private Stella McCartney” event. Those in the know received Save the Dates, but the location of the party was kept under wraps until last week.
Upon entering the cavernous Sunset Boulevard store via its metal turnstiles, guests including Gwen Stefani, Kate Hudson, Quincy and Rashida Jones, Beck, Gwyneth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom and Anthony Kiedis were greeted with a mix of classic rock and David Bowie hits, and the usual rock posters that plaster the walls were interspersed with psychedelic prints of the designer’s face. Between various aisles, models on carpeted platforms danced or played pinball.
“I came here tonight to sell some of my used CDs, then I found out it was a Stella McCartney event. I’m just kidding,” said Katy Perry. “Actually my next stop is [vintage store] Wasteland to trade these clothes in. No, kidding again.” Perry, in a printed dress and green turban, said she appreciated McCartney’s cheek. “She had an event one time in a Mexican restaurant, and so I love that she thinks off the cuff, she’s not like, in a formula. So I guess she comes from rock-and-roll and this is rock-and-roll.”
Said McCartney, “I’m a massive fan of the store. I’ve been trying for ages to have a party here and they finally said yes; I broke them down.” She also took the opportunity to throw an event in the city where many of her famous friends reside. “I spend a fair amount of time here and have close friends here and for a while L.A. has been becoming quite a center for the arts and fashion, film and music, and for me it just felt like the right time to celebrate.”
Another musical offspring, Nicole Richie, voiced her approval. “I love the idea of it being in here. It’s so awesome and I think it’s really cool and different. It’s great for L.A.”
Selma Blair and Frankie Rayder sipped beer (Stella Artois, natch) from wine glasses as they admired the decor.
“It’s amazing how they got all these posters up, did you see these?” said Rayder.
“I know, I want all the posters,” said Blair. “Stella has been kind to L.A. and she brings it here.”
There were even a few Golden Globes holdouts from across the pond, like Joanne Froggatt and Emilia Clarke, who declared, “Uh, no, it’s not like the Golden Globes at all.”
Scattered among the aisles were Chelsea Handler, Sarah Silverman, Maya Rudolph, Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, all of whom crowded closer to the stage at the back of the store to hear first a set by Pink, then Brian Wilson, who got the house thundering with applause for his hits “I Get Around,” Good Vibrations,” and of course, “California Girls.”
That would have been enough to send the crowd home happy, but the evening closed with a performance by Johnny Depp and his band Hollywood Vampires, along with special guest Marilyn Manson.