Postcards From… Big Sur
Hidden inconspicuously amidst mid-Wilshire homes is Just One Eye, a collision of fashion, culture, and art, and the embodiment of such a vision—style siren Paola Russo. Previously with Maxfield, Russo opened her doors in early 2012, shortly after the launch of the Just One Eye website. The space contains an edited selection of mens and womenswear, art, and furniture. The former workspace of the late Howard Hughes, Just One Eye serves as a carefully curated part-boutique, part-gallery, all-around aesthetically stimulating experience for L.A.-local and international sartorialists. British artist Damien Hirst, designers Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen of The Row, and New York-based shoe designer Nate Lowman are a handful of names who have collaborated with Russo in creating limited-edition designs for the shop, including Nile crocodile leather backpacks Hirst designed with The Row to mimic his dot paintings. Born in Tunisia and raised in France, Russo has always had an eye for global fashion and coastal California vacation spots. She just traveled to Big Sur, where majestic Redwoods surround private cottages for the ultimate getaway. Here, the designer notes her favorite Big Sur whereabouts.
By Ellie June
STAY
POST RANCH INN Post Ranch is very romantic. I love the architecture of Micky Muennig, who built the inn.
DINE
DEETJEN’S BIG SUR RESTAURANT I ate organic food and the most delicious free-range meat here.
POST RANCH GIFT SHOP I purchased herbal creams and a range of organic products from this shop.
PLAY
THE ESALEN INSTITUTE I really enjoyed taking the sulfur water bath at Esalen while admiring the sunset.
BIG SUR TRAILS Big Sur has stayed authentic because of the locals’ attention and preservation. From different handmade crafts to architecture, they have their own American culture that I appreciate. The discovery of local life in the mountain is magical…it’s all about a lifestyle.
PEBBLE BEACH The beaches are beautiful and dramatic.
HENRY MILLER MEMORIAL LIBRARY The Henry Miller Library is magical, with sculptures and drawings from Henry Miller himself.
Pictured: Paula Russo
Photo by Stefanie Keenan
