J.B. Taylor: Vintage LA's Hollywood Happenings, Pt. 3

As we all know, California, knows how to party, and my release shindig at Fred Segal on June 28th, sweetly hosted by Ron Robinson and his awesome staff, was all I could have hoped for, and more! For one thing . . . 2 history-making mayors made appearances . . . first there was a surprise visit by debonair Antonio Villaraigosa (the Mayor of Los Angeles)!;

(Clockwise) Mayor V. with awesome Obama, me signing a copy of Vintage LA for the mayor of L.A.!, with my cute mum, Moira, waiting for the gold ink to dry (Click photos to view larger).

There was also an appearance by the Mayor of the Sunset Strip himself, Rodney Bingenheimer, who has a great interview featured in Vintage LA (on pg. 85) and is a rock 'n roll hero of mine. If it weren't for obsessive late-night listens to his radio show, Rodney-on-the Roq, starting when I was 13, I may have never been introduced to the brilliance of Siouxsie & the Banshees or T. Rex! He pretty much saved my musical life through high-school, and beyond.

(Above) Rodney and Miss. Giddle Partridge checking out their portraits in the book. GoGoGiddle just released a pink vinyl heart-shaped LP of duets with Boyd Rice, who was also in attendance at the signing.

(L) My dazzling sister Miss. Lizzie admiring Rodney's famous Little GTO. (R) Lovely Ron (in his awesome vintage Pop-Art shirt) of Fred Segal's lovely home decor boutique.

(Top) I was graced with the presence of magical artist dollybirds Mackenzie Kay, Miss. Lizzie (who has a secret new clothing line debuting soon), and Alia Penner. (Bottom) Vintage LA's sweet photographess, Jeaneen Lund!

Me & Queenie (blog)
(L to R) My gorgeous and dear friend, Madame Kim Denman (who's supernaturally talented family is featured in VLA), L.A. historian and all around glamorous dame Marcella Ruble (in an unbelievably va-va-voom original '50s dress!), and lovely Vintage LA fan and young entrepreneur, Tatiana Mclane.

And these girls need no caption, because it's just totally obv's how awesome they are.

(Top) Michael and Amanda, who are a truly lovely and inspiring couple. (Bottom) Michael conversing with the mystical haberdasher, Mr. Hodgepodge, who makes bespoke suits inspired by both Victoriana and psychedelia.

(L) Adorable couple of the century, Brian and Heidi (who I just spotted in the trailer for the new Jim Carrey film. Congrats!!!) (R) and yours truly with the always debonair, Mr. Taylor.

The very foxy Vintage LA Team: Jeaneen (photographer-in-chief), Miss. Lizzie (additional photos), Moira Brandt (set design, styling, creative guidance, therapist), and me, vintage guru and authoress.

Lots of vintage love to everyone who showed up to support my heartfelt project (especially those who came decked out in glammy vintage accoutrement)! I hope it'll inspire you to explore all of L.A.'s secret, magical, historic locations, and fall in love with the city of glitzy angels all over again.

Special thanks to Ron Robinson, Karen, Ron, and the whole lovely, delightful gang at Fred Segal.

Photos: Antonio Villaraigosa and Barak Obama by Yosi Sergant, all other photos by Nic Taylor.