“I asked the hairstylist for whatever they’re wearing here in L.A.,” said Veronica Miele Beard referring to the circular braid in her hair at the Neiman Marcus cocktail party for the eponymously-named clothing line she co-founded with her sister-in-law, Veronica Swanson Beard, that was held on Tuesday, March 10, at the Beverly Hills department store. A host of local style setters turned up to customize jackets from the Veronica Beard line including Jessica de Ruiter, Minnie Mortimer, Marlien Rentmeester, and Rochelle Gores Fredston. Swanson Beard’s sisters, Alexis Traina (who flew in from San Francisco) and Claiborne Frank (who lives in L.A.), were also on hand to toast their New York-based sister. “They are my best brand ambassadors,” said Swanson Beard of her chic relatives. Guests customized black or white blazers by fastening denim shirt collars or zip-up khaki jacket collars inside the angular jackets. The mothers at the party, including all three Swanson sisters, noted that the coats were perfect for quick trips to school or the grocery store, or perhaps even to the hair salon.

By Elizabeth Varnell

Pictured: Veronica Miele Beard & Veronica Swanson Beard
Photo by: Alex J. Berliner