Moss

Location: Los Angeles

The big selling point: Design-world visionary Murray Moss takes his New York store to Hollywood; think glittering crystal columns and a baby grand piano.

What's in store: The appeal of this brand-new branch of Moss lies not in initial impressions but instead in the gradual progression from garden-variety curiosity to unfettered wonder that unfolds as you slowly digest the space. It starts at the door, when you sense you're on the cusp of experiencing something great. Maybe it's the sight of dozens of floor-to-ceiling crystal columns glittering through the plate-glass windows. Or perhaps it's the phalanx of clear Lucite boxes scattered throughout the store, each one encasing a Dan Flavin–esque white-neon Moss logo. Or possibly it's the one-of-a-kind antique Steinway baby grand piano, hand-charred by acclaimed Dutch designer Maarten Baas to celebrate the store's opening. And then there's the collection of tropical-wood Studio Job room screens inlaid with images of animal skeletons. In short, it's impossible to winnow down the exact source of the L.A. Moss's greatness—so just wander in and prepare to be bewildered in the best possible way.

Rub shopping shoulders with: Celebs looking to kit out their Hollywood Hills pads; aficionados of quirky Dutch designers; displaced New Yorkers jonesing for a slice of home.

Treat yourself: Ingeniously utilitarian Vitsoe metal shelving (a timeless classic designed by Dieter Rams in 1960), starting at around $3,000; a Moss-exclusive stuffed-panda-bear covered "Banquet" chair by the Brazilian Campana brothers, $75,000.

Moss
8444 Melrose Ave.
Tel: 323 866 5260