Gallery Gal

Native Angeleno Heather Taylor is behind Taylor De Cordoba, the contemporary art gallery in L.A.’s Culver City Art District, which opened in 2006. Along with her partner Alex De Cordoba, Taylor specializes in selling and representing both local and international emerging artists working in various mediums.

My Los Angeles City Guide

What makes The Beverly Hills Hotel so iconic?
When I think of old Hollywood, an image of the Beverly Hills Hotel pool comes to mind, immortalized by scenes in the documentary about Robert Evans, The Kid Stays in the Picture. And the Polo Lounge is still such a fabulous place to grab a drink and feel civilized.

What do you think distinguishes L.A. from other cities when it comes to art and style?
I think what makes the art and style in L.A. different is that Angelenos are more apt to take a risk. The fashion houses and art institutions in N.Y., for example are, extremely set in their ways. It almost feels like L.A. is still finding it's voice, which I think is very exciting.

What are your must-stop shops when you're looking for something fabulous to wear?
When I'm shopping for a special event, I always hit The Way We Wore on La Brea. I've found everything from an embroidered 1920s cloche hat to a 1970s Missoni floor length gown. Everything in the store is unique and the owner, Doris Raymond is wonderful to work with. Opening Ceremony is another one of my favorites for inspirational design.

Where do you go to buy people gifts?
All my friends love cooking, so I often buy cookbooks from The Cook's Library. Retro Gallery on South La Brea Avenue carries beautiful Italian glass decanters from the 1950's, which make such classy gifts.

What are your 10 favorites spots in LA and why?

1. The patio at The Little Door restaurant. A perfect place to sip chilled rose on a summer night.

2. I grew up in Malibu and I love driving out there on the weekends. My boyfriend and I will go mountain biking and then have lunch at John's Garden.

3. Vincenti has the best Italian food in LA. And the owner, Maureen, is the chicest host in town.

4. Sherry Walsh and Miguel Nelson throw amazing events at Marvimon House, just east of downtown. This 1920s car showroom turned live/work space is classic L.A.

5. Joan's on Third is my favorite lunch spot. Whenever I'm having a dinner party I pick up a selection of their amazing cheeses.

6. The Hammer Museum has an incredible program with amazing exhibitions, lectures, multi-media events and free admission all summer.

7. The Wednesday Santa Monica Farmer's Market is nirvana for a food enthusiast. There’s a dizzying array of local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.

8. Empiric in Culver City is the place to go for revamped mid-century furniture.

9. A perfect evening for me consists of a movie at the ArcLight Cinemas, followed by a delicious Peruvian meal at Los Balcones del Peru.

10. The Mandrake is my favorite bar in L.A. It’s a great place to have a drink with artists and collectors. My friend Ezra Woods, DJ’s there on Wednesdays and always attracts a fun crowd.

What about L.A. inspires you?
I'm very inspired by the open spaces. Being able to be outside year round is a luxury. So many creative people live here and I love experiencing the way that art, fashion, film, and architecture overlap in the city. And I've always been inspired by the glamour of Hollywood history. I live in an area of Hollywood where silent movie stars lived in the early 1920s. I love that.

Taylor De Cordoba, 2660 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, 310.559.9156.

For more on Los Angeles, visit luxuryculture.com, the web’s first high-gloss window into the world of luxury.