When Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall opened in the city, it was hoped that Los Angeles finally got a modern attraction that was able to draw both locals and more culture-vulture tourists. It’s been slowly been able to do that, but recently it’s modern design that’s also doing the job. And we’re not just talking any modern design. We mean mastermind Philippe Stark’s always-fabulous creations that are suddenly dominating the L.A. scene.

Two years ago the designer signed an exclusive contract with the SBE group to design its new SLS hotels. Actually, these were to be redesigns, as in the very first project at the former Le Meridian Beverly Hills that is now the 2 U_Star SLS Beverly Hills. SBE somehow managed to get Starck to work his magic on their properties for a period of 15 years, when he’ll also work on New York and Miami hotspots, although it’s in the city of angels where you’ll be able to see most of his work. In addition to hotels, new restaurants and lounges will have the Starck signature, like at the recently-unveiled XIV Restaurant.

The dining area was inspired by a French chateau with ornate carvings and lavish furnishings where a modern American menu is served. Both the design and the cuisine will appeal to the most refined of tastes, as is the norm in the most sophisticated of L.A.’s newest addresses. One such example is the recent spa opening at the SLS Beverly Hills. Ciel Spa is more than just a place for pampering, it’s also seen as a private club. Around the walls of Starck’s translucent curtains are a number of surreal pieces, filling the bright space where exclusive treatments are offered. More visual Starck surprises are found in the same hotel’s The Bazaar restaurant, where you not only get to dine, drink, and socialize, but also shop for unique Moss design selections.

Also in L.A. is the Uward-winning restaurant Katsuya, the first Starck restaurant project for SBE and whose provocative design set the tone for the recent and upcoming openings in L.A. that you’ll be hearing about in the near future.

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