Will San Francisco trade in its typical practical togs for playful, sexy silhouettes? Is there a glam L.A. girl hiding beneath our quirky exterior? That’s what Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor, the best-friend duo behind Juicy Couture, are banking on with the opening of their first U.S. flagship store near Union Square this month. After conquering Hollywood and beyond with their ubiquitous velour tracksuits in 2001, they kept expanding—with swimwear, accessories, eyewear, and recently Couture Couture, a high-end, handcrafted line with lots of delicate lace and sophisticated details. Wondering if substance-over-style Bay Area residents are prepared to jump on the bandwagon of girlie charm bracelets, faux fur coats, and ribbon embellishments galore, we asked Pam and Gela (who are content to speak as one via e-mail) to demystify their coolly L.A. style and help us find our own inner Hollywood star.
Why does San Francisco need Juicy?
Every California girl needs a shock of luxury—that’s what we bring.
Are you designing for the Hollywood starlet or the modern woman?
We just design what we want to wear, and it seems to resonate. All women love to feel pretty.
How can I get the Juicy look but still keep my sensible wardrobe?
Add a brightly colored cashmere cable knit to whatever you’re wearing—and a luxe cream coat makes any outfit superchic.
What if I want to go glam?
Add glitz with a fab pair of satin heels and a quilted leather clutch or try mixing Juicy jewelry with your own vintage pieces.
You don’t do girlie charm bracelets for men. How can they accessorize their look?
True, there aren’t hearts or butterflies in our men’s line, but they’ve got skulls and eagles. We love chain necklaces and key fobs for guys.
Your men’s collection seems very rock star.
We dedicated the season to the Rolling Stones, with leather jackets and velvet blazers worn over graphic tees and black jeans. And always a velour track jacket.
Is the Juicy velour suit going to be around forever?
The tracksuit has become so iconic that it’s on display at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. It reflects a moment in fashion, and celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna were attracted to that look. We’ll keep it in our collection because we’re loyal to our roots.
Who are your fashion idols?
Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano…
I heard Galliano was spotted jogging along the Seine wearing a T-shirt you two made for him.
Yes. We met him and fell in love with him while we were at the couture shows with Vogue in 2003.
Do you really call each other “Fluffy”?
We have so many nicknames for each other.… Fluffy is only one of many.