Blackburn + Sweetzer Has Moved

— Text and photos by Lilliam Rivera

Debussy. Degas. Jimi Hendrix? Los Angeles designer Sue Wong opened the doors to her jaw-dropping Los Feliz estate, The Cedars, for High Tea and a presentation of her Spring 2010 collection. The Cedars has been the home to top Hollywood names, including Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe, Lou Reed, and Johnny Depp. And what an estate! As I strolled through the rooms, finding one magnificent bedroom after another with hidden gardens, someone nonchalantly pointed out how Jimi Hendrix composed “Purple Haze” in the bathroom. Not a bad way to spend the afternoon gazing at fashion and soaking in some Hollywood history.

The collection, plus the estate this way…

“My inspiration was the beautiful era, La Belle Époque, where the Monet gardens existed. There was Debussy music. It was a time of newness and innovations,” explained Sue Wong who wore Issey Miyake. While a harpist played in an adjoining room (outfitted in Sue Wong, of course), the models rotated in groups of six in elaborate gowns of silver and white sequined, bright pinks, oranges and feathers. The period pieces had the needed elements of old Hollywood glamour, ideal for strolls down the red carpet.

One thing I found very charming was how Sue Wong fawned over a new jewelry designer she discovered and proudly wore, Vilaiwan Fine Jewelry. The designer, Polthakorn Viboonviriyawong, is a recent FIDM graduate and former Macy’s employee. He confessed how at Macy’s he would dress the mannequins up in Sue Wong’s clothing. “To meet her in person and have her love my jewelry, it’s been amazing,” he said.

The notable handbag designer Mary Frances was also on hand, adding to the twenties theme with jeweled satchels and clutches.

Wong’s full Spring collection will be available online.

Now all I have to do is convince Sue Wong to let me house sit. Rumor has it she has the best views of downtown from her upstairs room.