Mary Alice Haney has never stopped searching for the perfect look. The founder and designer of Haney Prêt-à-Couture who has worked as a celebrity stylist and fashion editor, Haney caught her first glimpse into the industry at Parson’s School of Design in New York. Soon after, she arrived at the Paris office of Harper’s Bazaar for an editorial post. Her curiosity for all things design inspired a Masters of Fine Arts in film studies and costume design from the American Film Institute. Haney next went to work at Allure alongside the iconic fashion editor Polly Mellen who nudged her towards West Coast editor positions at Marie Claire and GQ. Haney, who now lives in Manhattan Beach, has styled Blake Lively, Eva Mendes, and Molly Sims and also hosted Fox’s Ambush Makeover and Style Network’s Celebrity Closet Confidential. And this past year she’s tapped into her extensive fashion knowledge to create a new elegant, demi-couture collection. Local fashion fixtures, including Alexandra von Furstenberg, host private sales of Haney’s newest pieces for purchase on the spot or at a later fitting with Haney herself. A percentage of proceeds from the trunk shows go to the ambassador’s chosen charity (the next gathering will be held on Tuesday, May 6, at a private residence in Montecito that will benefit the Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara). Meanwhile, when Haney takes a break from designing new looks for her line, she can be found at her favorite Manhattan Beach haunts.

By Ellie June

MANHATTAN MEATS The best place to get seafood and meat is in Manhattan beach. Chefs from all over the city come down here to shop.

ELYSE WALKER and CURVE Elyse and Nevena (founder of Curve) have incredible fashion taste. I can always find a special piece at Curve and a great pair of shoes at EW.

NEIL LANE I have so many beautiful pieces from this boutique. My husband gets my Christmas present from Neil’s shop every year.

CHRIS MCMILLAN SALON Chris loves to chop my tresses when I see him, and I always need it!

ANDY LE COMPTE SALON Andy lets me keep my hair long and gives me a great cut that I can wear wavy and straight.

SALON BENJAMIN Negan Zand is a color wizard and she’s fast, which I need with my insane schedule. I can go blonde to red, and back to blonde and she always knows the right tone. She won’t let me go in the wrong direction and always has a point of view.

BOB ROY SALON Jenine is an amazing colorist and I was so excited to find her in Manhattan Beach. She studied under Tracy Cunningham and knows color. She also gives an amazing blow-dry.

MB POST I think MB post is the best restaurant in L.A. right now. People are flocking down to Manhattan Beach to eat there. The farm-to-table food is incredible. I try to only eat one bacon biscuit, but never can manage to do so. They also serve a mean cocktail.

NOBU MALIBU I love meeting friends for drinks on the water.

STAGECOACH I love country music.

MB WALKING PATH There is no better view and vibe than the beaches in Manhattan Beach. My walks along the water help me get my heart rate up and let my mind wind down.

THE GREEN YOGI I love yoga and was so excited to find amazing teachers here. Instructors begin Sunday morning classes singing. It’s a great way to start the day.

PALISADES FARMERS MARKET I don’t cook, but I enjoy visiting the farmers market.

 

Pictured: Mary Alice Haney
Photo by Doug Inglish

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