the BEAT of the week: Hedi Slimane's "California Song" at MOCA.

To put it modestly, Hedi Slimane is one of the most well-respected and most admired names in the fashion industry. He's helped build the modern fashion houses of Yves Saint Laurent and Dior Homme, and quite singlehandedly created what is the slim silhouette so common nowadays in menswear. But Slimane hasn't stopped there: he also designs album covers (Daft Punk), and writes and photographs (Vanity Fair).

His striking photography is getting its first proper West Coast show beginning this week, with the "California Song" exhibit at the MOCA Pacific Design Center. Divided into two parts, the installation will include a photo diary focused on California artists, musicians and youth culture, as well as a section with sonic, motion-photography. Select California bands, including L.A.'s own No Age and Ariel Pink, are also contributing music for the exhibition. Those two bands are slated to perform in the opening for the show on Nov. 11.

If you're familiar with any of Slimane's work, you already know that this exhibit will be beautiful and moving and distinct -- stark yet classy. You can take a peek at Slimane's photography here, in the meantime, but being able to see the work up close and personal will definitely be an experience of its own.

Hedi Slimane's "California Song" will be showing Nov. 12-Jan. 22, 2012 at the MOCA Pacific Design Center, located at in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

the BEAT of the week: Henry Rollins at Book Soup.

Love him or hate him, Henry Rollins is a pretty enigmatic guy. From hosting a radio show on KCRW to doing his spoken word performances to music blogging for the LA Weekly, Rollins has become anything but predictable.

And so his next venture, turns out, is a book of photography. Occupants features photography from the man himself, taken all over the world, including far-off places like Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Northern Ireland, Saudi Arabia and South Africa. And as expected, the photos -- accompanied with writings by Rollins -- are stark and honest, providing a deeper commentary.

Hear Rollins tell the stories behind his photos when he appears for a signing at Book Soup this Thursday. Beyond being able to get a signed copy of the book, having the chance to listen to the man speak in person is definitely going to be entertaining and fascinating in and of itself.

Henry Rollins will be signing his new book, Occupants, on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7pm at Book Soup, located at 8818 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Henry Rollins

Click It. BEAT picks of the week.

My part of the new blog format is a weekly roundup of cool things, from L.A. and beyond, currently on my radar. Please click the links to explore, and I hope you enjoy ...

I've wanted an Ork city map poster for awhile now, and thought a Brooklyn one would make sense in my new Williamsburg apartment ... yet the Los Angeles version still feels more like home

On my nightstand: the Chateau Marmont Signature Candle (a great gift for someone special, or to treat yourself!)

Listen to (Los Feliz resident) Ryan Adams' Ashes & Fire (released last week, his best since 2001's Gold)

If you love Mario Batali's Mozza group of restaurants on Melrose and Highland, pre-order Molto Batali: Simple Family Meals From My Home to Yours

Sarah Silverman & Friends at Largo tonight

Also tonight: Thrillist's Bergamont Station Art Crawl (and open bar, and food trucks)

For the weekend: check out the new West Hollywood Library (and murals by artists including Shepard Fairey)

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: orkposters.com

Advance Notice. Moby at Book Soup.

Moby (an Angeleno who lives in this awesome Hollywood Hills castle) has a new album and book out, and on Monday he'll be at Book Soup for a signing. There are a few fantastic reviews on Amazon, so if you're already a Moby fan, or just curious about what he's been up to recently (other than eating/hanging out at Oaks Gourmet), check out Destroyed.

Monday September 12 at 7:00 p.m. 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America via zimbio.com

Do It. Miranda July's 'Eleven Heavy Things.'

Have you gotten enough of Miranda July yet? The actress/artist/author/filmmaker has been all over L.A. recently, promoting her new film The Future, and it seems she hasn't quite tired of our city quite yet.

This weekend was the opening of her art installation Eleven Heavy Things. I remember hearing about this last year before heading to New York City, and being really bummed about missing it. But it's here now, and until October 23, at the MOCA Pacific Design Center. Just as you might expect from the July, the sculptural exhibit is cute and twee, but with a genuine sweetness. And you can't deny you'll have a lot of fun interacting with it. Check out pictures from the New York installation here.

Eleven Heavy Things is showing until Oct. 23rd at the MOCA Pacific Design Center, located at 8687 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Advance Notice. Savor Los Angeles: Pairings.

Peanut butter and jelly. Chocolate and strawberries. Wine and cheese. There's nothing quite like a good food pairing. And that is the BFF theme of next month's Savor Los Angeles event, where chefs from favorite L.A. restaurants will be presenting their own bites and versions of all those beloved pairings. And hey, you get the chance to taste them!

It's all taking place on Thursday, June 2nd at Siren Studios Orange in West Hollywood. Savor Los Angeles, Pairings! is celebrating Best Friends Foods (get it??) edition will feature goodies from restaurants like Malo/Mas Malo, Starry Kitchen, Reservoir, The Farm of Beverly Hills and more, with beverages provided by Veev acai and Duvel Belgian beer. The special event isn't free, but proceeds from your $55 will go to CoachArt, which provides free and personal lessons in arts and athletics to children and adolescents with life-threatening illnesses. So not only will you be eating amazing, probably once-in-a-lifetime cuisine, you'll be doing some good at the same time. It's early, but buy your tickets now because the intimate event will surely sell out.

Savor Los Angeles: Pairings! takes place on June 2nd at Siren Studios Orange, located at 1050 N. Orange Dr. in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Do It. Maria Menounos signing at Book Soup.

You probably recognize her face, or at least her name, from TV: Today and Access Hollywood.

Maria Menounos has some life tips to share, on everything from organization, to success at work, to weight loss and style. Her new book, Everygirl's Guide to Life, came out April 12, and tonight she'll be at Book Soup to discuss and sign it.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

Friday April 22 at 7:00 p.m.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: conventionscene.com

Eat Out. Boneyard Bistro.

Last Saturday night we went out for barbecue at Sherman Oaks' Boneyard Bistro. The beer selection was vast, the music was live, and the fried macaroni and cheese (above) was as delicious as it sounds (and looks). And the pulled bbq chicken sandwich was pretty good too!

Other good BBQ joints in L.A. ...

Baby Blues BBQ (Venice and West Hollywood)

Zeke's Smokehouse

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill (at The Grove and other locations)

My favorite part is always the sides!

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Advance Notice. Rodarte designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy in conversation.

Last month we told you about the Rodarte exhibit opening at MOCA's Pacific Design Center.

On April 21, the label's designing duo, sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy, will be in conversation at the SilverScreen Theater (adjacent to the design center). They'll discuss their work and the current exhibition Rodarte: States of Matter.

SilverScreen Theater, Pacific Design Center - 8687 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.

April 21 at 6:30 p.m. Free. No reservations necessary. Info: moca.org, (213) 621-1745

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: wornthrough.com

Advance Notice. Janet Jackson at Book Soup.

Janet Jackson's book, True You: A Journey to Finding and Loving Yourself, was released in February, and next month the five-time Grammy winner will be at Book Soup signing it.

The book covers fame, food, depression, and struggles and successes with self-esteem, as well as fitness secrets from her trainer and wholesome recipes from her nutritionist, David Allen.

Friday April 15 at 3:00 p.m.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Harper's Bazaar

Do It. "Rodarte: States of Matter" at MOCA's Pacific Design Center.

If you caught the Oscars last weekend, you might have heard Best Actress winner Natalie Portman sneak in a thank you to Rodarte. Rodarte, consisting to the two sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, designed the gorgeous ballet costumes seen throughout Black Swan (and also Portman's mahogany dress for the night), and are widely considered a great new force in the fashion world. Their designs are often conceptual, sensual and just downright beautiful. It's no wonder that the art world would soon seek them out.

It seems MOCA has gotten to the two first. The museum's Pacific Design Center is presenting Rodarte: States of Matter beginning today, featuring Rodarte's artful works from past runway shows to Black Swan's memorable costumes. It'll be a fascinating sight for those interested in costume design, fashion, and just simple conceptual beauty as a whole.

The official public opening happens tonight at 7pm. You're sure to see some famous faces, especially among the art and fashion worlds (but also probably some film celebs too), and maybe the Rodarte sisters as well. Check out more info here.

Rodarte: States of Matter will be showing until June 5th at the Pacific Design Center, located at 8687 Melrose Ave. in West Hollywood.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Do It. A great manicure.

Finding a reliable place for a decent manicure is no easy task. Yesterday evening, after just over a week of dark (when in New York ... ) nails, I wanted it off, and a fresh application of a more comfortable pretty pale pink.

I ended up getting one of the best manicures I've ever had (and I've had quite a few in my day) at Express Nails on Robertson, just below Gregory Way in Beverly Hills. For $11.

If you live in West L.A./Beverly Hills/West Hollywood/Hollywood, or even if you don't, I highly recommend it. They have a wide selection of colors, and I went with Essie's creamy pale pink "Adore-a-Ball" (pictured above) after briefly considering the slightly more clear "Mademoiselle".

Other nail salon recommendations:

Deluxe Nail Bar and Spa (2913 Main Street in Santa Monica)

Montana Nails (1411 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica)

Jessica's Nail Clinic (8627 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood; appointment only)

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: beautysolutions.ca

Eat Out. The Veggie Grill.

We like a good vegetarian restaurant here at the BEAT--even though we're not all vegetarians! Veggie Grill is actually vegan (Kind Diet friendly) and really delicious. Their Grillin' Chickin' sandwich (with avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro pesto, and chipotle ranch on a wheat roll) and seasoned "Sweetheart" sweet potato fries are my favorites, and they have a good bean chili too.

I stopped by the West Hollywood location to pick up a weeknight dinner last week, and the service was extremely fast and very friendly.

The Veggie Grill is located at 8000 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood (Sunset 5 structure at Crescent Heights). Other locations in Santa Monica, El Segundo, and Irvine. Info: veggiegrill.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: the BEAT

Eat Out. Brunch at the Chateau Marmont.

We had an impromptu fancy Sunday brunch yesterday, at a place I'd never brunched before: the Chateau Marmont. The legendary hotel has a great bar (Bar Marmont) and the restaurant is a well-known dinner destination (they're famous for steak frites). Brunch was something I had just never considered.

On the drive over, around 11:15 a.m., we passed the ridiculous Griddle Cafe, with their usual huge crowd outside, all waiting for tables where they'd consume huge stacks of pancakes while listening to blaring music.

For about the same cost (maybe a few dollars more), we got a shaded table for three on the serene patio of L.A.'s coolest hotel immediately. A giant pot of coffee, croque madame, pancakes, eggs benedict, iced teas, and bloody marys later, we were extremely satisfied with the service and the food, and of course the setting. We even spotted a hot Hollywood director. The patio is really good for seeing celebrities.

If you can't make it to West Hollywood to experience the Chateau yourself, it's featured in some films, including Laurel Canyon and Somewhere (I'd recommend Laurel Canyon of the two). There's also a great out-of-print book, The Chateau Marmont Hollywood Handbook available on Amazon.

Chateau Marmont Hotel and Bungalows is located at 8221 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: (323) 656-1010, chateaumarmont.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: modelsandmoguls.com

Check It. Favorite hand creams.

My hands always suffer from dry winter weather. My mom wisely always keeps a tube of Herbacín Kamille + Glycerine hand cream in her purse--and apparently so does Gretchen Mol.

For drugstore buys, I like Curél (which I recently couldn't find at the West Hollywood Rite Aid) and Aveeno. After unsuccessfully searching the drugstore shelves for some Curél early one morning, I ended up getting some supposedly fragrance free Eucerin (a really respectable line) hand cream. While it does moisturize well, it smells like sweat! Gross. So avoid that one.

My current favorite is the somewhat luxurious Jurlique hand cream. I have the Lavender one (which I thought would be good for bedtime applications, but I've actually been using it at my desk throughout the day. It smells so good.) but other scents they offer are Citrus, Jasmine, and Rose (I'd try Jasmine next).

Other favorites: Laura Mercier's Crème Brûlée Hand Crème smells delicious, and Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is super thick and comforting, if you're looking for something more industrial strength.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: jurlique.com

Advance Notice. Steve Lopez at Book Soup.

Steve Lopez, one of L.A.'s most popular columnists (who I'm lucky enough to run into at the supermarket sometimes), has a new book out--a compilation of his best columns over the years.

Lopez was portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. in Joe Wright's 2009 film The Soloist.

He'll be a Book Soup two weeks from tonight to discuss and sign Dreams and Schemes: My Decade of Fun in the Sun (he joined the Los Angeles Times in May 2001).

January 27 at 7:00 p.m.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: (310) 659-3110, booksoup.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures via northbynorthwestern.com

Eat Out. Melrose Night.

Last minute awesome Thursday night out event! Food trucks, plus 10% off at Urban Outfitters--what a great way to get the weekend started early.

We think it's worth going for LudoTruck alone.

If you can't make it tonight, this ongoing event will take place the first Thursday of every month.

Tonight, January 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Info: melrosenight.com

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: Melrose Night

Do It. Craig Semetko signing Unposed.

This new book, Unposed, from photographer Craig Semetko, is a great Christmas gift idea for the photography lover in your life--or for your own coffee table.

To make it extra-special, get it signed on Saturday afternoon at Book Soup, where Semetko will be discussing and signing.

Saturday December 4 at 1:00 p.m.

Book Soup is located at 8818 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. Info: booksoup.com, (310) 659-3110.

Unposed book is $49.95

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: teneues.com

Eat Out. Bar Marmont.

Bar Marmont is one of the quintessential L.A. bars. I have friends/family in town from New York this weekend and am looking forward to taking them out to one of my favorite spots from my old neighborhood.

Of course part of Bar Marmont's coolness is that it's part of the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel, but the bar itself stands alone as a great spot. It has a difficult-to-maintain combination of being chic while cozy, and trendy yet classic.

The drinks (aperol spritz, fresh peach bellini, pisco sour, havana style mojito - you get the idea) menu is fantastic, and the food (three cheese board with fig and date jam and buckwheat honey, crispy calamari, grilled rosemary prawns, etc.) is delicious too.

Bar Marmont is located at 8171 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. Info: (323) 650-0575, chateaumarmont.com/barmarmont.php

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: fashionmagazine.com

Check It. Nalgene water bottle.

I saw these Nalgene water bottles at Target last night and they reminded me of Lauren and our L.A. Times days. She was so good about carrying it around the newsroom, and refilling it throughout the day--drinking plenty of water, something most people struggle to do. Then I saw a label that said something along the lines of "drink more water, feel better". What an easy way to feel better! I was sold. Aside from just daily sipping, the simple bottles would also be great for any kind of outdoor activity.

A large bottle (that can be refilled) is a great reminder of how much water one should drink throughout a day. This morning when I filled mine to the 32 ounce mark, I had a few sips and it was already down to 28 ounces before I was out the door.

BPA-free wide mouth Nalgenes are available at Target in West Hollywood for $9.99. Also on the Target website, and at www.nalgene-outdoor.com.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: nalgene-outdoor.com