Ulla Johnson Flagship by Kelly Wearstler

Late last year, Ulla Johnson’s West Coast flagship in Los Angeles opened to much fanfare, and for good reason.

Designed by LA-based designer Kelly Wearstler, the store is a curated space that not only encapsulates the effortlessly chic spirit of the New York-based womenswear label but offers clients an ambient escape amid West Hollywood. Embracing a domestic rationale – even the launch party was dubbed a housewarming – the design was inspired by 1970s Hollywood glamour and California’s mountainous landscape, which is visible from the store. The boutique also showcases the work of many local makers alongside the label’s free-spirited semblance – it exists as an “ode to the West Hollywood community,” says Ulla Johnson.

“Kelly and I both have a very established design language and a richly textured way of working, and there was a natural synchronicity. It was a very effortless collaboration.”

For Ulla, working with Kelly across the concept and design of the store felt like a meeting of minds. “Kelly and I both have a very established design language and a richly textured way of working, and there was a natural synchronicity. It was a very effortless collaboration,” she says. This authenticity is palpable, and the upshot of their creative partnership is an invigorated expression of the Ulla Johnson brand. Located on Beverly Boulevard, the two-storey building has a bold street presence thanks to a textural, creamy brick facade with mottled mortar and white steel-framed windows.

Large brass letters spell out the label’s name, and a smaller brass sign signals to the more discreet entry down the side – a nod to Parisian ateliers and other elevated retail environments. It’s an experience that’s not lofty or toffee-nosed but intriguing and inviting, a reflection of Ulla Johnson’s signature conviviality and warmth.

Spanning two floors, the expansive layout has been thoughtfully dissolved into a mix of open, sunlit areas and more intimate pockets, creating a layered experience.

Spanning two floors, the expansive layout has been thoughtfully dissolved into a mix of open, sunlit areas and more intimate pockets, creating a layered experience. There’s an atrium-like space with lounges; the “jewel box” room containing accessories and ceramics displayed within consoles by Canadian artist Jeff Martin; and a large Brachychiton tree that stretches through a void beside a sculptural timber staircase. Ulla Johnson’s full collection, including ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, jewellery and swimwear, adorns the shelves and hangs from fine-steel rods like pieces of wearable art, and the residential- leaning design intent encourages shoppers to browse and stay a while.

Many elements contribute to the energy of this space, particularly the curation of contemporary pieces and vintage finds as well as a mix of textures and tones, resulting in an eclecticism evocative of Kelly’s work. Importantly though, the design and the garments that fill it have equal weight in the success of this project, attracting fashion and design lovers alike with its endearing multiplicity.

Architecture by Krueger Architects. Interior design by Kelly Wearstler. Build by NWGC, Inc. Landscape design by Miranda Brooks Landscape Design. Brand design by Ulla Johnson.