“I’m obsessed with LA—it’s the most romantic city on earth!” said Scout Willis, moments after arriving at The West Hollywood EDITION for AD’s party celebrating the magazine’s March issue, a special tribute to Los Angeles. “There’s so much history, beauty, and richness in all of the people who have come here to make their lives.”
Dressed in an ethereal silk bias-cut dress, the musician—whose French Normandy-style cottage appears in the issue—joined Kristen Stewart, Meghan Trainor, Emma Chamberlain, Lana Condor, Sophia Bush, Lucy Hale, Winnie Harlow, Sara Gilbert, and Giovanni Ribisi, along with AD100 designers, cultural leaders and fellow LA icons, to toast the city they love, more than a year after the devastating Palisades and Eaton Fires. The evening honored AD’s philanthropic partnerships with San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity and the Foothill Catalog Foundation, celebrating the resiliency of Angelenos and the design community’s response to those affected by the fires.
“LA needs and deserves a party right now,” said designer Erin Fetherston, who had just run into Jenni Kayne, a childhood friend. Fetherston was dressed in a cream-colored flapper-esque dress that nodded subtly to AD’s origins in Los Angeles in 1920. Also in cream was Stewart, the issue’s cover star, who recently purchased the city’s historic Highland Theatre and plans to revive it.
It was a balmy, pleasant evening—76 and sunny earlier in the day—and Stewart shrugged off her cream leather jacket to reveal a silk cropped halter and pants before she slipped into the crowd. Born and bred in the city, the actor and director spoke passionately about the generosity and spirit of the community, particularly the work of the Downtown Women’s Center, which supports women experiencing homelessness. She also emphasized her admiration for the city’s immigrant communities, whom she credits with shaping its culture. “Los Angeles doesn’t exist without all of us,” she said.
In a temporary pause to the lively din of the evening, West Coast Editor Mayer Rus introduced Global Editorial Director Amy Astley, who wore a draped look by Altuzarra. Thanking sponsors and partners Zip Water, James Hardie, La Mer, Flamingo Estate, and California Closets, Astley spoke about AD’s long history of philanthropic engagement and her enthusiasm for what she described as an enduring partnership with Habitat for Humanity and Foothill Catalog.
AD100 designer Mandy Cheng, who is currently helping several clients rebuild their homes, described the process as “therapeutic.” Actress Emmy Raver-Lampman echoed the event’s philanthropic spirit, reflecting that the time she spent volunteering at food banks and supply drives after the fires was when she felt the most connected and hopeful in her seven years as an LA resident.
Brigette Romanek, also an AD100 designer, echoed her affection for the city. “You are safe to be your true self in LA, and I love to bring that out in design—to show the individuality of each client.”
Actress Lucy DeVito, a self-described “advocate of the movies,” who was photographed for the issue at the Egyptian Theater alongside her parents, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman, was also feeling optimistic. “This past year there were ebbs and now it’s time for flow,” she said. “The industry is going to pick back up.” Richard Christiansen, founder of Flamingo Estate, was already thinking ahead to the 2028 Summer Olympics, set to be held in Los Angeles. “My friend Kelly Wearstler should design the Olympic torch!” he said.
Toward the end of the evening, designer Justina Blakeney, wearing a red top hat, offered a poetic note of hope: “Seeds have been planted. We wait for the bloom.” If the thoughtful, talented stewards that attended the party last night were any indication, the metaphorical garden of Los Angeles is in good hands.
