Last night's Paul Smith store opening bash on Melrose was a rousing and rosy affair befitting its pink exterior and attracting a huge crowd full of fashionable and friendly people, many of whom were actually there to shop as well as schmooze.

It was so relaxed in fact, that I really didn't even need to change from the Converse and tee ensemble I had on earlier that eve. I mean Steve Jones, who hung with the designer (left), for a good portion of the eve, was wearing a North Face ski jacket!

He would have looked a lot spiffier in one of Smith's exquisitely tailored suits, though some of the designer's brightly striped shirts were a bit much, and I'm not just talking about the pricetags.

The store marks the first time the UK style king's women's line is available in the US, and it was all very beautiful, with a decidedly vintage feel, especially the accessories. Even the housewares and curios on display were cool: elegant and pricey, but with a rock n' roll flair. Check out the Ziggy Stardust plate set (below).law logo2x bSpeaking of rockstars and fashion, couture t-shirt designer Leslie Gardner is having a sample sale featuring her Smashing Grandpa line, THIS SUNDAY at her studio downtown. If you read my post about her raging bash at Chateau Marmont with Pamela Des Barres last month, you know her stuff rocks! Here's the deets from the invite, below, for you, my loyal Style Council reader. Keep checking the blog for more posts about fun stuff you don't wanna miss.

**********Smashing Grandpa{ Cocktail Sample Sale }Sunday, December 11, 200511 AM – 4 PMCome join us for a fabulous afternoon of music, cocktails and fun! { Most samples will be $10!!! }We will also be joined by Heidi Richman featuring: “Heidi's Night of Beauty” & “I Like Wine”The ultimate rockin' wine tastin' beauty extravaganza.Complementary Urban Decay manicures & makeovers are available.Our Address is:818 South Broadway, Suite 801 Los Angeles, CA 90014Parking is located behind the building on Spring Street in between 8th & 9th. Parking is $8. Please bring your parking stub for a free t-shirt on us!Please call at the door by pressing #42 and you will be buzzed in.**********

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