BLACKBURN AND SWEETZER

When Iconology - chandelier-ed and stocked with Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, and Behnaz Sarafpour - opened on La Brea across from vintage haven The Way We Wore in February, 2006, the question became what would follow. Iconology co-owner and former Women’s Wear Daily editor Michelle Dalton Tyree says some thought she and her designer/co-owner sister, Jackie Dalton, were crazy to move onto the nearly empty stretch between 3rd and 4th Streets. These days, it seems another word for ‘crazy’ is prescient.

Presse has followed, setting up shop across the street in an open space with a boudoir vibe in a pale, pretty palette. Derek Lam, Doo.Ri, Thakoon, Rag & Bone, and Proenza Schouler line the walls, along with Jas-M.B bags and other accessories.

A number of storefronts are now lease-ready on the east side of La Brea on either side of Presse and The Way We Wore. Interestingly, Algabar, a spot for pricey objets for the home and other gift-y items, left its Robertson location and will be reopening south of the two boutiques. Word is one of the spaces has been leased by a spa. Though The Way We Wore was the first on the block - it’s been around since 1981 and moved to its current address in May, 2004 - Iconology seems to be the impetus for the marked growth. If we all could aspire to be that crazy…