Platform, a multi-purpose concept space offering an art gallery, retail environment and trend library located in Highland Park, is having a soft opening Saturday April 9th.

Husband and wife duo Sarah Brady and Alex Cole possess an eye for the interesting and unique and plan to offer the community a new retailing concept: a place where people interact and exchange, a *platform* if you will, combining art, music, shopping and inspiration. Since the couple is surrounded by creatives, their venture is an experimentation lab to showcase their friends creations, as well as their own.

Originally from London, Alex moved to Los Angeles over 20 years ago and beganworking in the music video business as part of the art department. He is currently an art director and production designer for television. The art gallery at Platform will have rotating exhibitions and six LA-based artists will be featured at the opening Platform show.

The merchandise assortment is comprised of jewelry, art, textiles, scarves, fashion accessories, sculptures, carvings and home decor. The goods are sourced from local artists, designers and showrooms, as well as handpicked treasures, including wares from recent trysts to India, Mexico and Paris. (Their current hunt: vintage Heath Ceramics).

Sarah's job as a trend consultant requires her to be eons ahead of everyone else. As the exclusive West Coast partner of leading international trend-forecasting agency Perclers Paris, she will facilitate her business at Platform. Sit back and relax while sipping on tea or bubbly as you peruse her Peclers Paris Trend Library, an archive amassed over the past ten years. What an incredible resource of inspiration for clients and prospects to benefit from and indulge in. Sarah hopes to lure her clients to the space "to experience and engage in the retail environment and gallery". She hopes they will "walk out feeling inspired on multiple levels and perhaps they would buy an item or two because they just couldn't resist".

The soft opening for Platform will be held Saturday April 9th from 7pm - 10pm at 5027 York Blvd. in Highland Park. The artists for Platform's April show are Erin Kellgren-Temple, Mitch Temple, Toban Nichols, Laura Ricci, Kathleen Buckley and Armando Abogado. Platform's website is currently under construction but you can *LIKE* Platform on Facebook and follow their tweets at @platformhp for the latest and greatest from Sarah and Alex.

{Images courtesy of Platform}

{From L to R: Alisa, Icarus, Laura, Nicolette}

Merritt Charles is an up-and-coming player in the luxury casualwear market. Lacey Horning, the creative force behind the Los Angeles-based brand, is a California gal through and through. Her designs radiate youthful exuberance for the woman who wants to look effortlessly pulled together. Superstylin* was fortunate enough to have a *sneak peek* at Merrittt Charles Fall/Winter 2010 collection. The line consists of a variety of basics constructed in cozy fabrics, such as cotton cashmere jersey, that can take you from casual daytime to subtle sexy nighttime.

The four styles pictured from the line are my favorite pieces. Since I live in a fog-drenched city, these clothes are perfect for layering. The Alisa is so sassy. Many women think their decolletage is sexy but there is something to be said about the back. I envision wearing the top with a bare back as shown or with a hint of color in the form of a bandeau, bra or camisole. The Icarus could be worn to the office and easily transition into after work cocktails and dinner with friends. The Laura allows for a flash of shoulder which is perfect for when I feel like channeling Jennifer Beals a la Flashdance. The Nicolette's draping and hemline makes the basic piece edgy and modern. After previewing the line, Superstylin* had a few questions for Miss Horning.

S* Describe the inspiration for your Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

LH* Inspiration for this season was urban streetwear with a twist of the 90s. Our staples always stay with us through the seasons, however, our new pieces were urban street inspired.

S* Let's say I walk into a store or am shopping online. I look at merchandise by the likes of James Perse or T by Alexander Wang. Then I spy Merritt Charles. What makes your line appealing to customers and ultimately results in a sale?

LH* What makes Merritt Charles so appealing is the wide range of unique fabrics that are made into classic basics with a twist. The attention to detail is something that we at Merritt Charles pride ourselves on.

S* Not only are you a business owner and designer, you are also a philanthropist of sorts. Tell me about how Merritt Charles gives back to the community.

LH* At Merritt Charles giving back to the community is very important to us. We make sure that we are always aware of global issues and are always looking for ways to contribute. At the launch of the company we immediately joined forces with The International Green Shield to help victims of the major hurricanes and disasters affecting the country. We are always looking for more ways to contribute and work with charities. Please email us at charity@merrittcharles.com for any inquiries.

Superstylin* encourages you to pop on by the Merritt Charles website to see more of their product offering and to feel the fun and flirty vibe of the brand.

{Images courtesy of Merritt Charles}