Risk Guide: "A Random Day in La" by Colin Anderson
- Risk Mag
- Mar 23
- 5 min read
Los Angeles is a city that never stops inspiring, offering an endless array of destinations for those passionate about fashion, interior design, and lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned design enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, LA has something that will ignite your creativity. From lush gardens nestled in the hills of Culver City to luxurious hotels designed by the city's top tastemakers, this curated list of must-visit places is a perfect blend of beauty, sophistication, and style. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Risk Magazine's favorite spots—from the architectural marvels of the MAK Center to the green paradise of Rolling Greens—each offering its own unique experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Santa Monica’s Proper Hotel is the epitome of LA’s chic, laid-back luxury. Designed by celebrated interior designer Kelly Wearstler, it’s a masterpiece where every detail is considered, each room a study in striking contrasts and high art. With its curated collection of furniture, art, and sculptures, the Proper Hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it's a full-on sensory experience. Step into the lobby where an explosion of texture, grandiose, and dramatic lines will immediately make you stop and look twice. Venture up to the rooftop, and you’ll find one of the city’s best-kept secrets: Calabra, the rooftop restaurant serving Mediterranean tapas and artfully crafted cocktails. Whether you're savoring a sunset drink or simply soaking in the unique style, the Proper Hotel is an oasis of sophistication in the heart of Santa Monica.
Palma, located downstairs within the Proper Hotel Santa Monica, is an intimate and art-filled dining destination where New American cuisine meets elevated design. The space is a feast for the senses, with lush decor that seamlessly blends bold textures, rich colors, and artistic elements. The ambiance is warm and inviting, offering a stylish yet cozy atmosphere perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Palma's menu features a range of creative, seasonally inspired dishes that celebrate fresh, local ingredients with a modern twist. Whether you're savoring a quiet lunch or enjoying the lively energy of the space, Palma offers a truly distinctive dining experience where art, food, and design come together in perfect harmony. The smoothies? They taste as good as they look.
If you’re like me and found solace in the art of gardening during the pandemic, then Rolling Greens Culver City is nothing short of a paradise. Perched on the picturesque hillsides, this green sanctuary sprawls over three beautifully landscaped levels and offers breathtaking views of the Los Angeles cityscape. This lush oasis seamlessly blends nature with modern design, from towering matte concrete vases stacked like architectural sculptures to cozy nooks brimming with carefully curated succulents, cacti, and hedges. Rooms are lined with terracotta pots that exude rustic charm, and the entire place feels like a garden of Eden—perfect for picking out plants for your next home project or just wandering to lose yourself in its peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just looking for a green space to unwind, Rolling Greens delivers an elevated experience that feels worlds away from the city below.
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in West Hollywood, the MAK Center for Art & Architecture is a hidden gem that art and architecture lovers will want to experience. Designed by the late Australian-American architect R.M. Schindler, this mid-century home turned exhibition space is a true testament to modernist design. The structure itself, with its raw concrete slabs and open-plan layout, blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, offering a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape. The MAK Center is more than just a building—it’s a living work of art that hosts cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art programs. If you’re interested in the intersections of architecture and contemporary art, a visit to the MAK Center promises to be both intellectually stimulating and visually inspiring, all set on the serene street of Kings Road.
There’s no place quite like the Los Angeles Flower Market, a vibrant hub of color, scent, and beauty that will sweep you off your feet the moment you walk in. Whether you're a florist by trade or simply someone who loves flowers, this is the place to come for an overwhelming selection of blooms—both exotic and familiar. Open to the public, the market offers an experience that’s as visually stimulating as it is calming. You can lose yourself in aisles overflowing with vibrant roses, peonies, lilies, and rare plants from all over the world, or simply wander the space, soaking in the beauty of nature in its most vibrant form. Whether you’re stocking up on floral arrangements for your home or just seeking a few moments of pure floral bliss, the market is an experience that brightens your whole day.
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, The Webster is a luxury boutique that’s as much a fashion destination as it is a cultural experience. Stepping inside is like entering an art gallery where every piece—whether it’s clothing, shoes, or accessories—tells its own story. The Webster’s impeccable curation of international high fashion offers a refined selection from some of the most coveted designers in the world. Every corner is an invitation to indulge in sophistication, with polished interiors and meticulously designed displays that evoke both elegance and modernity. Whether you’re looking for your next statement piece or simply want to experience high fashion in a laid-back setting, The Webster makes luxury feel accessible in a way that’s as stylish as it is welcoming. If you’re looking for a “Pink Wall” in Los Angeles, this is the sophisticated one.
Stationed in the heart of Culver City, The Platform is an outdoor mall that’s far from ordinary. It’s a vibrant, modern paradise where the worlds of luxury fashion and contemporary dining collide. The space feels like a tropical escape—lush landscapes of palm trees, terra-cotta vases and modern outdoor lounges create an environment as curated as the shopping experience itself. From luxury California menswear brands to avant-garde design stores, the Platform is the go-to for a well-dressed, fashion-forward crowd. Pop in for a bite at one of the trendy eateries, where flavor meets Instagram-worthy vibes. Whether you’re on the hunt for something fashion forward or just an afternoon stroll in the sun, The Platform’s mix of upscale shopping and laid-back, luxurious ambiance is the perfect blend of modernity and leisure.
The Optimist - Nestled within the chic ambiance of the Platform, The Optimist is a menswear haven that effortlessly blends timeless style with contemporary luxury. This carefully curated boutique offers an exceptional selection of high-quality clothing, from well-tailored suiting to relaxed, everyday pieces, making it the perfect destination for a discerning California modern man. The interior of The Optimist is just as stylish as its offerings, with sleek design elements and an elegant, minimalist layout that showcases its collection with impeccable taste. Beyond clothing, the boutique also features a range of luxury products, including artisanal candles, finely crafted glasses, premium shaving accessories, and sophisticated little details that elevate the everyday. Whether you're in search of the perfect wardrobe addition or a unique gift for the stylish man in your life, The Optimist delivers a shopping experience that’s as refined as the products it offers.
Each of these spots embodies the perfect blend of art, culture, and style that will speak to the hearts of fashion-savvy, culture-hungry Angelenos. From lush greenery and cutting-edge design to high fashion and modernist architecture, Los Angeles offers a treasure trove of experiences for those who appreciate beauty in all its various forms. If you've got a free day to roam the city, one of these locations is sure to brighten up any mundane day. Until next time..
Editors Note: “And just in case you were wondering, yes I did in fact change 6 times in the same day out of the back of my car. Your welcome.”
Written by Colin Anderson
Photographed by Pavel Denisenko
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