Beverly Hills’ leading arbiters of style make plans to aid those in need.
Beverly Hills, fabled town of flashy cars, pricey eateries and shopping, shopping, shopping, is slowly getting back to semi-normal since the New York tragedy–after a few days where no one seemed to be walking its streets, tourists and celebrities alike, including Drew Barrymore, Melanie Griffith, Tori Spelling (with mom Candy and bro Randy), and Bruno Kirby all have been seen strolling Rodeo.
It took a while, but people are slowly coming back, said Gregg Donovan, who serves as the city’s unofficial goodwill ambassador as the multilingual greeter at the posh 2 Rodeo shopping center. Despite his own feelings of grief, Donovan has put on a happy face for shoppers. “I feel like I’m helping lift the spirits,” he said. Barrymore even stopped to give him a special hello to keep him cheery.
And actor George Clooney reportedly parked his motorcycle on the Street of Dreams to hand out mini American flags to passers-by
Despite the city’s reputation as the epitome of Hollywood-style opulence and extravagance, 90210’s “haves” are rushing to the aid of those who have suddenly found themselves to be “have-nots.” In fact, everyone in the rich and famous town is looking for a way to help.
Timmy Woods–the in-demand collectible handbag designer whose handcrafted creations come in all shapes and sizes–from Rubenesque mermaids to wrinkly Sharpei puppies to Volkswagen bugs–recently created a one-of-a-kind bag in the shape of the White House, which she gave as a gift to First Lady Laura Bush a few months ago.
Woods has decided to expand production on the White House bag, which will sell for $313, and donate all the proceeds to the Twin Towers Fund, which benefits the families of the fallen New York rescue workers at the World Trade Center. Woods has also
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pledged the proceeds from her popular American Flag handbag, which retails for $225 ($275 with rhinestone red stripes).
Woods’ patriotic creations are available in her showroom on fashion-conscious Robertson Boulevard in Beverly Hills, and can also be found online at www.timmywoods.com.
In step with Woods’ charitable spirit is shoe stylist Stuart Weitzman, the man who provides to-die-for footwear to celebrities including Mary Hart, Minnie Driver, Patricia Heaton and Rosie O’Donnell. Weitzman has vowed to donate 10 percent of all nationwide profits from the sales of his pumps, sandals, slippers, et. al, from Sept. 21-22 to the Twin Towers Fund.
Weitzman, a native New Yorker, said, “This is a time when as citizens of the world we come together to help each other.” Every Weitzman boutique is on board, including his shops on Madison Avenue and chi-chi Rodeo Drive.
Many of the BevHills retailers are also planning to donate funds for victim relief, including a rumored alliance of the city’s high-profile hairdressers.
Along with individual businesses, the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce has established a fund called Beverly Hills CARES, set up to distribute funds from local merchants and residents to the New York Police & Fire Widows & Children’s Benefit Fund.
Within hours of establishing an on-line site for donations and virtually no publicity, the Chamber received a $1,000 contribution from a resident. “It’s really been phenomenal to see the city coming together,” said Chamber spokesman Michael Robinson.
Show of spirit
Not only Rodeo Drive but also the rest of Beverly Hills has–literally– brought out its patriotic spirit and put it at the forefront of the Hollywood high-fashion scene. American
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flags hang from the street lamps; red, white and blue
ribbons adorn the trees and potted plants that line the streets of 90210; and its assortment of international luxury brands have all gotten behind the spirit of the U.S.A.
In fact, shoe guru Weitzman’s often whimsical Rodeo Drive window display, always designed by a different artist each month, is now decked out in a serious red, white and blue theme.
Louis Vuitton, the luxe leather goods company, has cleaned out all of its display windows in favor of a flag and white roses. Ralph Lauren has a huge American flag hanging above the windows of its huge preppie store, and Gianni Versace offers silver-framed words of condolence to all touched by the tragedy.
Other have made patriotic presentations out of the fabulous finery they sell, including displays of red rubies, white diamonds and blue sapphires.
Because so many who’ve achieved 90210 success come from New York, and so many NYC tourists pump new blood into its boutiques, hotels, salons and restaurants, Beverly Hills has an especially vested interest in seeing its East Coast brethren get back on their feet.
“Everyone is pulling together and doing their best to be sensitive and accommodating,” said Jeb Baird, director of the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau. “For now the mood is resolute, heartfelt and, for the long term, upbeat.”
