Fred Segal Dips Gingerly into Green Turf

In the current economic climate of massive corporate lay-offs and gas prices nearing $5 a gallon, it would seem risky to open a posh green home design store peddling eco fireplaces ranging as high as $12,000. But Fred Segal is banking on its reputation as the hippest L.A. store around since 1976. If the brand could invent the first fashion jeans it can certainly market ultra cool fireplaces fueled by renewable green energy.
So two months ago, it boldly opened the doors of Fred Segal Green at the tony address of 500 Broadway in Santa Monica, where Segal opened its second fashion store years ago. The 1,200 square-foot green decor showroom featuring a stunning array of furnishings, accents and books, has already drawn in the celebrity crowd, including Robin Williams and Meryl Streep.
"David Caruso bought some recycled can top bags by Dalaleo for a friend," shares salesman Phillipe Dubois in a lovely French accent that must work quite well in the pristine, upscale setting. Dubois tells me the response has been excellent from not only the loyal Hollywood clientele that has been buying designer jeans and trendy frocks from Segal since 1976, but from all over the world since the Santa Monica retail mecca is already packed with summer tourists.
What will you find at the new, sustainable Segal’s? Those stylishly surreal felt rocks by Ronel Jordaan; The efficient and low carbon Ecosmart Fireplaces from Australia which run on denatured ethanol; Laptop bags by Monacca and throws and cushions by a variety of pure wool and cotton textile brands. Dubois adds there’s a great selection of architecture and design books, as well as fun toys for rich kids, I mean, for cute little green kids of all ages.
The store is currently designing its new web site but has one page up at fredsegalgreen.com. If you are visiting L.A. soon, you won’t want to miss this new eco haunt. (310) 395-5699.
And don’t feel bad if you don’t buy anything. According to Dubois, even Meryl was "just looking."
Image: Hello Dollface
Sara’s shameless plug: Hi, it’s your editor. De-lurk, dear reader, and leave this fabulous writer a comment. (We love chatting.) You can also share this post with friends ““ just click your favorite social bookmark listed below. New reader? Be sure to sign up for the weekly newsletter to win free eco goodies! You can also subscribe to any RSS feed your heart desires.
|
Bookmark |































1 Comment
August 11th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I tried to use an ‘eco-friendly’ fireplace in my to-be LEED Certified Home, but hit a brick wall when I didn’t want to have it totally sealed and vented. A lot of new “eco-friendly” fireplaces like ecosmart disqualify you from LEED status unless they are sealed & vented – thus losing the asthetic these new fireplaces are touting as a selling point. I was VERY disappointed!
Welcome! The comment box is all yours to say what you like. Just make sure you use a real name, not a site or company, so you don't get sent to the spam bin. (That makes us sad.)