Simon Miller Opens Its First Store With a “Café Tropical” Themed Block Party
Last night in downtown Los Angeles, Simon Miller toasted the opening of its first brick-and-mortar boutique with a block party that felt more Havana than Hollywood—sunset, sequins, and mojitos included.
The new 1,000-square-foot flagship is located inside Signal, a curated fashion and design development in the heart of the Arts District, alongside creative neighbors like Berlin’s cult-favorite Concierge Coffee, Alchemy Works, Flamingo Estate, and Departamento. For founder and creative director Chelsea Hansford, the space is more than a store—it’s an extension of her brand’s ethos of color, community, and creativity.
“I just love the Arts District,” said Hansford. “The mix of art, design, fashion, food, and hospitality really reflects what we’re about. When I met the team behind Signal, I immediately felt aligned. It wasn’t just about opening a shop—it was about creating energy.”
To celebrate, Hansford hosted an outdoor party with a distinctly Café Tropical flair—named for Simon Miller’s newly debuted summer collection of the same name. Guests including Dree Hemingway, Nathalie Love, Lisa Love, Rainey Qualley, Langley Fox, Ally Hilfiger, Djuna Bel, Courtney Trop, Mia Moretti, Leslie Kirchhoff, Jasmine Hekmat, Bo McCourt, and Amirah Kassem gathered in the courtyard for an evening of jamón ibérico, steaming paella, and mojitos served to the beat of a live Cuban band.
The summer collection—full of striped poplin sets, raffia fish bags, hand-crocheted tops, sequins, and bold zebra prints—echoed the setting: sultry, spirited, and unmistakably transportive. Hansford transformed the courtyard into a tropical lounge with striped upholstered furniture, wafting incense, and a curated playlist that captured the mood of a Havana twilight.
Inside, the boutique reflects Hansford’s love of color and sculpture. Painted entirely in vibrant chartreuse—her signature hue—the space is both bold and tightly curated. “I’m a maximalist by nature,” she said, “but I wanted the interior to feel tonal, so the clothes and artwork could really stand out.” The design was a family affair: Hansford’s husband, a set designer, built out the store, including custom cabinetry and velvet-upholstered furnishings. Circular fitting rooms are draped in floor-to-ceiling fabric, and anchoring it all is a seven-foot bronze sculpture by Leonard Urso—an artist Hansford has known since birth. “I knew exactly which pieces I wanted when I saw the space,” she said. “It all started with the sculpture. Everything else grew around it.”
Other artful touches include painted mannequins and ceramic vases by Peter Keil, the German artist known for his expressive portraits and friendships with Picasso and Miró. “I’ve been collecting Peter’s work for years,” Hansford said. “When I reached out to him about the store, he was thrilled.”
Simon Miller’s presence spills beyond its four walls. The brand is taking over Signal’s courtyard for the summer with green cabana-striped seating and lush tropical flourishes. A Banana Cream Matcha—topped with freshly grated nutmeg—was created in collaboration with Concierge Coffee. Just down the block at Yess, chef Junya Yamasaki debuted a custom Espresso Sakitini in the brand’s honor. And in July, Simon Miller will co-host a launch for the new issue of Ursula, Hauser Wirth’s art and culture magazine.
“I want to build a culture, not just a store,” Hansford said. “I came up through Opening Ceremony—I started there when I was 19. What they created on Howard Street wasn’t just retail, it was energy. That’s what I want to build here.”
Carly Stone/BFA.com1/16Ally Hilfiger
Carly Stone/BFA.com2/16Rainey Qualley