Josh Duhamel holding the Sony PlayStation Vita Portable Entertainment System

It was playtime for Josh Duhamel, Liam Hemsworth, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Pete Wentz at Sony PlayStation’s launch party for the highly anticipated PS Vita Portable Entertainment System. On February 15, Hollywood’s Siren Studios transformed into an interactive playground where tech-savvy guests competed in high-end games and shared their gaming status on Twitter using the new handheld device, all while to the tune of beats spun by Wentz and Jesse Marco. Packed with innovative advancements, the PS Vita includes a five-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen, touchscreen, app-style interface, and front and rear cameras for catching all the action.

Clare Vivier’s second collaboration (available in March) with Theory is the perfect balance of work and play. The LA-based handbag designer reworked her classic styles to fit with Theory’s spring 2012 line. The result is simplistic, sporty, and functional. We especially love the Weekender (ABOVE), an oversize denim-inspired cotton tote—and the line’s sole unisex item—ideal for the office or a weekend getaway. 8428 Melrose Ave.
, West Hollywood, 323-782-0163‎

Fighting to keep humanity safe from things that go bump in the night is a daily routine for Russell Hornsby in his role as detective Hank Griffin on NBC’s Grimm. We sat down with the star of the supernatural series to learn more about his roots as a stage actor and the “swagger” he shares with his character. 

What was your initial reaction to the concept of Grimm, and the script?
RUSSELL HORNSBY: My first reaction? Wow, this works for me. I could see myself in the world that the writers had created. I am a dreamer, but I am also a realist so it all made sense to me to have these two worlds collide.

Do you share anything in common with your character?
RH: It would be unfair for me not to share how grateful I am that the creative team of Grimm has always allowed me to infuse a great deal of Russell into the fabric of the character of Hank. That being said, I think we—Hank and I—both share an interesting mix of a soulful and slightly cynical demeanor, with just enough swagger to keep us both fun and relevant.

What is your dream role?
RH: I come from the stage, so my dream role may not be what people expect. I would very much like to bring my interpretation to the role of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. I find him a fascinating man and character study.

What is the greatest misconception about you?
RH: Each time I take to the stage or screen, I shed one skin and take on another.  I think sometimes this can be confusing for people. In the end, I really don’t think about it too much, but I would hope that people do remember that behind every actor is a person and, with that being said, I am as multi-faceted as Russell as I am when I am doing my job and sharing a character—as I do on Grimm.

Read more from Joshua Estrin at popmuncher.com.

Designer Mary Katrantzou brings her flare for prints to a new capsule collection for Longchamp. The East meets West theme offers brightly colored motifs perfect for spring. 333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714-436-1963

Previous Next

 

 

 

 

previous

next

Over the past two decades, Parisian designer Christian Louboutin has created some of the most coveted footwear on the planet. To celebrate, Louboutin has launched a 20th anniversary capsule collection made up of 20 shoe styles and 6 handbags—all reinterpretations of the brand’s classic red-soled designs. Inspired by a mix of art, travel, architecture, and cabaret, the line includes sky-high feathered pumps, embellished flats, fringed boots, and ornate shoulder bags. Here’s a look at some of our favorite pieces in the collection, which hits stores in later this month. 650 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood

The Physique 57 shoe

Stay fashionably fit with Blake Brody In-Studio Footwear’s latest workout shoe. A collaboration with barre fitness studio Physique 57, the limited-edition shoe combines the elegance of a ballet slipper with advanced fitness footwear technology. The Physique 57 shoe ($105) features the exercise brand’s signature light blue and black color scheme adorned with Brody’s corset heel detail and translucent shoe grips. The snug fit and breathable vegan material also help with arch support and preventing slips. The shoe is now on pre-order and available March 1 at blakebrody.com and physique57.com. 

The Royce

The Royce at The Langham Huntington Pasadena will welcome D’Artagnan owner Ariane Daguin for two special dinners celebrating the flavors of the Southwest on February 28 and 29. (D’Artagnan was the first purveyor of game and foie gras in the U.S.) Widely known as “Ms. Foie Gras,” Daguin will join chef David Féau in creating a unique five-course tasting menu of game, foie gras, cassoulet, and other regional specialties from the Pyrénées. Each course will be complimented with wine pairings by sommelier Eric Espuny. Reserve your spot through roycela.com or 626-585-6410.

A costume sketch by Mark Bridges for the character of Peppy Miller played
by Bérénice Bejo in The Artist

Want to see The Artist in color? You can, when the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) reveals its “20th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design” exhibit (February 14 to April 28). Clothing from the black-and-white Oscar nominated film will be among the 100 costumes from more than 20 films displayed. Look for costumes from all five this year’s Academy Award nominees for best costume design (Anonymous, Hugo, Jane Eyre, W.E., and The Artist), as well as the 2011 Oscar-winning costumes from Alice in Wonderland. 919 S. Grand Ave., LA

Demián Bichir

“As an actor, you want a role that will stretch your range as much as possible,” said Demián Bichir of his Oscar-nominated turn as the beleaguered immigrant gardener Carlos Galindo in A Better Life. A celebrated Mexican star, Bichir’s emotional portrayal of Galindo, an undocumented worker struggling to provide for his son in East Los Angeles, has him pitted against the likes of George Clooney, Jean Dujardin, Gary Oldman, and Brad Pitt for the best actor in a leading role award.

What attracted you to this role?
DB: Being an Angeleno myself, I know exactly what the script is about. I found a Hollywood story without the Hollywood gimmicks—and so rich in emotion, and a physical challenge as well.

Do you think the film inspires people to think differently about illegal immigration?
DB: You cannot think about Carlos Galindo’s story without thinking about the need for immigration reform for 11 million human beings. You know what I’ve gotten from friends? ‘I didn’t know my status towards immigration could change in two hours.’

You’ve been called the George Clooney of Mexico. How does it now feel to be nominated alongside Clooney?
DB: I’ve read that but I don’t even know who began saying that! I see it as a huge compliment, but I think I may be closer to Homer Simpson. I never thought I’d even be in the same category as George.

Few Latino actors are nominated for Academy Awards. How does it feel to be one of them?
DB: It’s a handful but it should be bigger. It makes me even more grateful to be part of it. I’m the second Mexican actor to be nominated for a leading role, and the other guy is Anthony Quinn. How crazy is that?

What do you like to do when you’re not busy with a film project?
DB: I’m a pretty mellow and quiet person. In my free time I exercise, go see a movie, read a good book, and I love the opera. I try to take it easy.