Despite Rain, The Extraordinary Difference Shines

The downpour Sunday undoubtedly curbed enthusiasm among the 130-plus rsvps expected for my talk on the history of Beverly Hills via the storied life of my lovely pal Fred Hayman. But it wasn’t a washout entirely.

Several dozen folks braved the wet day to sit inside the beautiful Italian-Renaissance City Council chambers, built in 1913. Among them was the biggest surprise of all for me: Jill Giordano and Brian Scheyer, the dynamo duo behind gr.dano in San Francisco (pictured above with Fred and me). I first met the pair two years ago when I selected them to be featured in the fashion component of the California Design Biennial. They are down for the weekend to visit the textile show in downtown today. Thank you for being there!

At the book signing, we sold a great number of books. Some were buying in multiples, including the fabulous Lili Bosse, one of the more stylish City Council members I have met (and, yes, during my early years as a Los Angeles Times reporter who covered a half a dozen city beats, I’ve met my share).

Much appreciation to everyone who turned out Sunday!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jill+Brian’s iPhone