It’s been unofficially official for some time that the now ubiquitous pop-up store concept — a temporary store created to garner both buzz and business — is no longer a trendy gimmick, but now a bona fide retail strategy in its own right that is here to stay. And like many of those ideas that start off novel and unique, the pop-up store has hit critical mass and is now in danger of crossing over into “yawn” territory — as in (yawn) “Another pop-up store…”
But our pop-up malaise has been lifted this summer by Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow 1960 pop-up store, which opened here in L.A. today at The Grove shopping center. The concept store, which will be open today through Thursday, July 16, features Richie’s growing lifestyle brand, House of Harlow 1960, which is inspired by the spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, and will offer guests the chance to not only purchase pieces from her brand, but step into her eclectic, kimono top-wearing, pastel hair-hued style themselves.
This is the first-ever pop-up concept for the brand and its reality star-turned creative director, and it will offer exclusive pieces, including the launch of a new fine jewelery collection. Also in the mix is a capsule collection of apparel including dresses, camisoles, tunics, pants, skirts and signature kimonos, along with curated vintage apparel handpicked by Richie during her travels. Fans of her contemporary jewelry will be thrilled to see a vast offering, including her exclusive malachite collection, inspired by the colors in the limited-edition apparel collection featured in the pop-up. Sunglasses, scented candles and personal accessories round out the offerings available with prices range from from $24 to $395.
About the vibe. Think of it like stepping into Richie’s casually luxe summer home, modern but earthy. L.A. boho at its best with touches of well-punctuated glam. The only thing missing is a garden and some chickens. Richie, an avid gardener and grower herself, has both. Recently, Richie’s neighbor Kelly Fischer Katz, partner at Martin Katz and wife of the celebrated Beverly Hills jeweler, was the recipient of a basket of eggs from Richie’s chickens after she was concerned that the birds were waking up the neighbors a wee early.
While Richie’s chickens are not able to make an appearance at the pop-up shop and have not answered any of our interview requests (so stubborn!), there is a full schedule of human appearances on the roster. Guests are invited to attend a bevy of events throughout the pop-up. The schedule includes everything from a conversation with Richie and Sophia Rossi, co-founder of Hello Giggles, the online community founded by Rossi, Zooey Deschanel and Molly Mcaleer, to appearances by celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson and hairstylist Danny Moon, who will offer custom colors with Manic Panic. (The complete event listing is located below this article.)
Those in love with Richie’s ever-changing hair hues will be thrilled with Manic Panic’s Classic Cream 
hair color gift with purchase at the pop-up shop. We’re even contemplating our own foray into Manic territory and are already mulling over whether we’ll be in Pink Cadillac mood or to take it down to a pretty pastel with Pastel, Ma Belle!, which turns any color into a more palatable pastel.
“I can’t think of a better way to experience what House of Harlow 1960 is all about! The pop-up shop offers a unique environment where all things House of Harlow can be found,” said Richie in a statement. “I am so looking forward to interacting with fans of the collection and learning more about their needs.”
The pop-up is also part of a fresh evolution for The Grove, the beloved L.A. lifestyle shopping center owned by Rick Caruso and his company Caruso Affiliated. In the past several years, the center has upped its fashion game to partner strongly with L.A.’s edgier fashion brands, stylists and more by offering everything from holiday fashion carts from the likes of Clare Vivier and Sisters of Los Angeles to hosting blogger conferences, pop-up shops and more. And Richie has also been filming segments of her second season of her VH1 show Candidly Nicole at The Grove as well, so the fit was as natural as an L.A. match-up could be.
Said Kloe Colacarro, head of leasing for Caruso Affiliated, “With its commitment to style and a dash of retro flair, the brand perfectly resonates with the atmosphere and fashion-forward guests at The Grove.”
Never fear if you are not in the L.A. area. We’ve created a shopable boutique of some of our favorite House of Harlow 1960 musts!
The House of Harlow 1960 pop-up shop is located at The Grove, next to Kiehl’s.
*Please note that certain events require appointments or RSVP. For more information on the schedule of events, please visit www.thegrovela.com.
EVENTS:
Wednesday, July 8, 7-9 p.m.: An evening with Nicole Richie and Katherine Power, co-founder of Who What Wear
Thursday, July 9, 7-9 p.m.: A conversation with Nicole Richie and Sophia Rossi of Hello Giggles
Friday, July 10, 5-8 p.m.: The perfect Friday night look; get Nicole Richie’s smoky eye from celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson
Saturday, July 11, 2-4 p.m.: A styling event with Simone Harouche, fashion stylist and designer
Sunday, July 12, 1-4 p.m.: Change your look from the top down; celebrity hairstylist Danny Moon offers custom hair colors created with Manic Panic
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Photos courtesy of Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Caruso Affiliated and Justin Coit
