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Novelist Danielle Steel, 65, had a passion for fashion even before she got her hands on her first Hermes Kelly bag, a gift from her grandmother, at age 17.

Clean lines, spare details and quiet glamour.

It’s not just the usual suspects — Rita Ora, Megan Hilty, Christina Aguilera — rocking platinum hair.

With summer in full swing, the beach is beckoning, the hammock is hovering and the lawn chair looks like the long-lost lap of luxury.

Sure, summer uniforms (a.k.a. anything that’s lightweight and airy) are what you want to wear this time of year, but that’s no reason to retire your staples from last season.

In summer, the social scene can slow down, but red carpets were sizzling last week.

In a world increasingly attuned to fast fashion, we can still pause to dream of extreme luxury.

Venice’s Irene Neuwirth dazzles with her distinctive, natural take on fine jewelry, prizing individuality over cookie-cutter bling

The brand with a loyal fan base is expanding ints a full range of apparel ‘for a cooler vibe,’ its founders say.

Some high-end clothing labels team with beauty brands to make their own cosmetics lines

No one could compete with Dior designer Raf Simons and his vision of modern 21st century couture.

The next head-turning women’s fashion tech accessory is a pair of headphones.

The recent Fashion Digital Los Angeles conference offered ideas about the future of online commerce.

Entrepreneur who opened the first Curve boutique on Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles 15 years ago talks about her strategies for success.

Kjerstin Gruys went a year without looking at her reflection. For someone planning a wedding, it was difficult but liberating.

Digital prints that serve as bar codes, 3-D design solutions, accessories that compute — fashion is embracing today’s technology in a big way

‘Arrested Development’ costume designer Katie Sparks talks about the challenges posed by revisiting the quirky Bluth family seven years later.

A new wave of rash guards by brands like J. Crew and Tory Burch comes in bright, feminine styles ready for sport and fun.

Designers in Los Angeles and Orange counties make custom swimwear that they promise will make a splash.

Trendy fitness centers are producing stylish workout clothes that aren’t just for sweating in.

A look at a few of the luxe versions available.

Giorgio Armani’s niece is a good fit for her role as ambassador to Hollywood’s stars

A slew of businesses specialize in hairpieces, some hand-designed, that look natural for both women and men.

Lucinda Ellery Consultancy, 9022 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, (310) 288-0788, https://www.lucindaellery.com ; hairpieces $1,100-$3,200.

The keys to lingerie are simplicity and fit. Think of it as basic wear that boosts, not challenges, your confidence.

With Santa Monica-based Beautycounter, Gregg Renfrew aims to build a skin-care empire that puts safety front and center.

The ‘Great Gatsby’ film adaption pulls from archives to present those daring Roaring Twenties outfits accurately.

The partnership with Brooks Bros. may have history on its side.

A look at products, including jewelry, clothing and a cocktail recipe.

In last week’s Fashion Diary column, I wrote about the wardrobe choices of Gwyneth Paltrow during her recent publicity tour through L.A., when she appeared at events promoting her new cookbook and personal trainer Tracy Anderson’s new fitness studio.

Everyday bags from Paris-based Jerome Dreyfuss have caught the eye of several celebrities.

Marie and Kelly Gray trade in the St. John uniform for Grayse, a new label of casual, versatile separates and dresses.

Potter and home furnishings designer Jonathan Adler is bringing his signature brand of “happy chic” to the world of fashion, with a new line of men’s and women’s accessories landing now in his boutiques, including the ones in L.A. and Orange County.

Elisabeth Weinstock’s new boutique in West Hollywood is divided into four unique rooms, ideal for showing off her brand.

Cheyann Benedict’s new boutique incorporates the designer’s colorful ‘modern basics’ with her vision of a warm, welcoming space.

The marketing, branding and advertising guru has moved beyond Kate Spade and Jack Spade bags to helping J. Crew, Target and newer brands parlay the public’s nostalgia for retro style into success.

Guys are finally venturing off their traditionally narrow path of footwear, and designers are responding.

Sales of the accessory are up lately. Whether it’s a silk, cotton or linen square, retailers say men are looking to the item to finish their look.

Let’s hear it for the locals.

A makeup expert from Chanel suggests pink lipstick with little or no other color on the face for a natural look for the season.

Mix quirky, perky and nerdy, and you’ve got Maria Stanley’s feminine take on style

A look at the large personal wardrobe of fashion journalist/TV host Louise Roe.

Entertainment converges with style as new faces add their marks to the major houses

Z Zegna opens its first North American standalone store in Los Angeles at the Beverly Center.

The Academy Awards are the biggest fashion runway on the planet.

A new generation of celebrity stylists is remaking its A-list clients — and the fashion industry.

Tommy Hilfiger has opened a 6,600-square-foot flagship store at the southwest corner of North Robertson and Beverly boulevards in West Hollywood, marking Hilfiger’s return to freestanding retail in the L.A. area after a 12-year hiatus.

Galliano in side curls, pony hair on sweat suits and Rodarte doing some California dreamin’.

If there was one conclusion to take away from the menswear collections shown here during the fashion week that ended Thursday, it’s that guys have a lot to get excited about when it comes to taking their fall-winter wardrobes up a couple of notches.

The popular London-based chain opens a multi-level and multi-line flagship store in the Mid-City shopping center.

Los Angeles Times fashion writer Adam Tschorn wrote about David Bowie’s undeniable connection between music and fashion as the 55th Grammy Awards were held in 2013.

Give a gift that matches your special gal’s personality, be it hopeless romantic, exhibitionist, trendsetter or something else altogether.

Fashion Week is in the midst of a populist movement with more affordable brands

When shopping for Valentine’s gifts for men, forget the teddy bears and try one of these suggestions instead.

FIDM Museum and Galleries to celebrate best of 2012 film costumes

‘Rose’ perfume can smell green, spicy, powdery, sparkly, fruity or more.

Lesser-known designers see awards shows as a way to break out from the pack.

Reptiles adorn jewelry, jeans and more for the year of the snake.

British photographer Rankin worked with nine famous hairstylists to create his images.

Skin and hair need extra care during the winter months.

Since Michelle Obama and her kitten heels first stepped onto the national stage five years ago, the keys to her personal dress code have remained remarkably consistent.

Her personal style is recognizable and trendsetting. What’s in store for the next four years of fashion choices? There are hints in her recent outfits.

The classic army jacket has become a stylish wardrobe staple.

Designers partner with retailers.

Her quirky shop in Venice, the Quest, is part boutique, part gallery, part New Age refuge,but completely her vision, ‘like a parallel universe,’ she says

Boutiques that emphasize locally made wares have quietly popped up on Lincoln Blvd.

I have no doubt that Jennifer Meyer [“Her Star Is Rising, Jan. 13] and Rob Kardashian [“Socks With Real Konnectedness,” Jan. 13] are the star designers you proclaim them to be.

Rob Kardashian has taken his first toe-dip into the fashion arena, following in the footsteps of celebrity siblings Kim, Khloé and Kourtney, who’ve used their reality TV fame — and family name — as a launch pad into myriad endorsement deals, clothing collections and fragrance formulations.

There’s a reason the Wizard of Oz lived in the grand Emerald City.

Transplanted from Melrose Avenue, the women’s boutique is the latest addition to 3rd Street’s retail in-crowd.

The jewelry designer is getting praise for pieces that travel from beach to city streets.

A Laguna Hills business uses technology to create a customized foundation tone for each client.

Societal and technological shifts have resulted in a number of innovations in the all-important skin primer.

From smoking slippers to neon nails, the year in fashion fads.

Fashion met pop culture in some of the year’s most memorable moments in all kinds of media.

We recall red-carpet hits and misses in 2012 as well as the celebrities who made headlines for their wonderful, and sometimes wacky, styles.

The year in retail and the evolving way we shop.

Fashion and style on the world stage, at the Olympic Games, during the presidential election and beyond.

The latest include ‘Steampunk Fashion’ and ‘The King of Style: Dressing Michael Jackson.’

Meet holiday deadlines with a gift set.

Spas and beauty companies are adding a touch of precious metal here and gemstones there in an effort to gain consumers’ attention.

Commerce meets community in Toms’ casual, rustic new retail space in Venice.

The daughter of the legendary hair stylist has opened a finishing studio.

Gasps. Slaps. One-upmanship. Proudly carried heads. The year’s big news on or near the runways.

Kathy Hilton has her sights set on a lifestyle brand, but first the hotel matriarch is making her mark in the world of formal dress.

For lips this holiday season, go with bold bordeaux or red lipstick. For eyes, pump up the volume with mascara or false lashes.

As the practice becomes widespread, it also comes gift-wrapped with its own set of perils.

Rule No. 1: Don’t hurt feelings.

Tint Hair Color Studio caters to those who want fast and affordable service.

Eyelash extensions, individual lash applications and the classic lash strip are options.

The stately tuxedo gets a jolt of energy as style-conscious guys opt for color and bold tailoring.

Actor David Arquette will be honored next month at the sixth annual Art of Elysium gala, where $1 million is expected to be netted for a charity that helps bring the arts into the lives of seriously ill children.

Bricks-and-mortar boutiques are coming back in a big way – and just in time.

A new era of retailers offers Japanese re-creations and interpretations of American working-class chic and vintage styles.

Scented offerings (cranberry, holly, sandalwood, magnolia) make for a sumptuous season of candles, sprays and perfumed jewelry.

With their new L.A. flagship, the British-born designers behind Rag & Bone put their stamp on Melrose Avenue and are hopeful about the future.

The traditional fabric gets a makeover in bright colors, funky patterns and covetable shapes.

Here is a sampling of stores (yes, actual physical businesses) in the L.A. area that have opened their doors to customers or are planning to do so soon.

New advances in apps and computer software make it simple for everyday people to improve their looks.

Her Carmina Campus is at the forefront of the eco movement in fashion. ‘We should accept the idea that more ethics does not necessarily mean less aesthetics,’ she says.