February 5, 2008
Darling,
Beyond the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills lie some unexpected surprises. Emerging within the city is a blossoming, environmentally-friendly focus . . . and with new galleries popping up and striking architecture sprinkled throughout Beverly Hills, exploring beyond Rodeo Drive is a favorite pastime of mine!
Speaking of a “sprinkle,” take time to indulge that sweet tooth and catch up on the latest “scoop.” Read on to learn more. You’ll be green with envy next time you’re here!
Love, Beverly Hills xx
The Green Scene
Think it’s not easy being green? Think again! The trend isn’t only the hottest thing in store windows this season, but also a smart way of life in Beverly Hills. The City has implemented so many eco-friendly programs, you’ll be “in” wherever you go.
To really get, and stay, green, Beverly Hills is constantly looking for ways to keep its outdoor space flourishing for years to come. The City recently implemented a smoke-free outdoor dining ordinance and has plans to expand the green space at Roxbury Park, one of the many public parks and hidden gardens in Beverly Hills. No need to cringe next time you’re stopped at a red light – the traffic signal overhead uses energy-efficient LEDs, and the City truck next to you runs on bio-diesel fuel. And when you slide into a parking place on Cañon Drive for a leisurely lunch, you’ll be just steps from solar-powered parking meters currently being tested on the block.
There is no need to give up luxury when saying goodbye to that gas-guzzler. Take a cue from socially conscious celebs and cruise around town in a hybrid. Rent a Lexus version of the trendy and earth-friendly ride from Midway Car Rental, or choose from a wide selection of other models at Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car.
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Sustainable Dining Set from Girari Furnishings | In the world of design, Girari Sustainable Furnishings is making waves. The Beverly Hills showroom features the company’s complete line of sustainable dining and lounge furniture, as well as home accessories. The metal products are made from recycled, sand-casted aluminum and are ultimately recyclable themselves.
Dessert fans looking for a healthier treat will also unwittingly contribute to the green movement with a stop at SNO:LA. The store is a no-plastic zone, and the earth-friendly interior boasts counters crafted out of recycled computer chips and tabletops made from the sustainable eucalyptus tree. All around town, scores of other retailers, like Jurlique Wellness Day Spa and lululemon athletica, have developed recyclable packaging and organic products in an effort to be kinder to the environment.
Beverly Hills: Art & Architecture
No doubt Beverly Hills is an artistic community. But the creativity extends far beyond the actor’s studio with cutting-edge design, eclectic architecture and inspired galleries lining the streets.
With a commitment to artists whose work promotes intercultural, East-West and international dialogue, the New-York based Sundaram Tagore Gallery will open soon in Beverly Hills. The diverse gallery will feature a variety of art forms including film, poetry and dance and will further enrich the long-standing cultural scene in Beverly Hills.
Need a celebrity fix? Head to the Celebrity Vault to take in its extensive collection of celebrity art and memorabilia. The Vault’s collection includes iconic pieces with subject matter ranging from Marilyn Monroe to The Rolling Stones. The grand opening featured The Art of the GRAMMY®s, and other displays have showcased never before published photos of James Dean and the Playboy Legacy Collection. Best of all, every collectible piece of pop culture history is available for purchase!
In addition to a little window shopping, take a look at the architecture of the many eclectic and world-renowned buildings in Beverly Hills. At the Prada flagship store on Rodeo Drive, there are no windows to shop! The store’s façade slides away each day, leaving the front of the store literally “open to the public” during shopping hours. With no storefront, the open floor plan remains temperate throughout the day with the help of an electronically-controlled wall of air at the front of the store. Directly across the street from Prada, visitors enjoy an entirely different view at Anderton Court – an unusual 1953 Frank Lloyd Wright structure with not a step or stair in sight.
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Spanish Renaissance Architecture - Beverly Hills City Hall | Guests instead make their way through the building via a series of ramps.
In the Golden Triangle even City Hall is a masterpiece, and the City underscores this commitment to art with the numerous outdoor displays that dot the parks and public spaces. From the Italian Renaissance style of the former Beverly Hills Post Office to the sleek, contemporary Richard Meier-designed masterpiece that is the The Paley Center for Media, the range of art and arc [Back to Press Releases Main]
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