Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
LA's Desiree Kohan relocated here from Iran when she was three years old, grew up all over the city and moved to Milan for trend-forecasting after graduating from UCLA. Kohan, who says fashion had always been innate, chose to instead study Psychology in college. "Fashion is either in you or its not," she spoke of her choice in major. "You can perfect it, but you can't learn it." Kohan returned to LA after a year in Milan where she started designing her own line of clothing that sold to powerhouses like Saks, Barneys and Maxfields before opening her own store. It wasn't long and Des Kohan had taken off on such a level that, between buying and the business end, there was no time left for design.
The destination store, located on the Miracle Mile, carries everything from gowns to sweaters, handbags and candles all made by some of fashion's favorite names-and sorry to drop a few but Azzedine Alaïa, Preen, Viktor & Rolf anyone? There are also those Des Kohan collaborations with LA accessory designers Gabriela Artigas and Annie Costello Brown that keep the store at a high level exclusivity.
While the larger sizes is Des Kohan sell quickly due to Kohan's attention to fit when buying, she says it is actually some of the most expensive pieces that are difficult to keep on the shelves. "We've never been on sale in nine years," Kohan said of the store. "As a designer, I know what things should cost so I would never bring in a $300 t-shirt."
We set down at Juice Served Here on Third Street with the expecting entrepreneur where we talked music, vacations and unwinding after a long day.
What are you drinking today?
"The Cream Party, coconut meat with coconut water."
What has been your all-time best vacation?
"I would say Rwanda, trekking with the gorillas because it's a mix of things. It's a mix of culture in Rwanda, walking through the African village, trekking up a mountain and then spending an hour two feet away from gorillas."
Glam or Natural?
"Natural."
What are three songs on your playlist this week?
"Xaver Rudd 'Spirit Bird' then 'Landslide' and 'Silver Springs' by Fleetwood Mac."
Indoor or Outdoor?
"Outdoor."
Guilty food pleasure?
"I'm so healthy it's hilarious but I would say pizza."
What is the Des Kohan signature look?
"A woman who gets stopped on the street because she looks impeccable without looking like she's tried."
Vacation or Staycation?
"Vacation."
I couldn't get through life without __ in my closet.
"Scarves."
What did you get in trouble for most when you were a child?
"Sneaking out of the house."
Juice or Tea?
"Juice."
What is your favorite day of the week?
"Thursdays because it's never crowded, it's feels like a weekend with no crowds."
NYFW in September or NYFW in February?
"Paris only."
How do you unwind after a long day at work?
"Fireplace and a glass of wine."
Describe the perfect weekend away.
"Going to a beach, paddle boarding, dinner with friends and laughing."
Bikini or Parka?
"Bikini."
Who is the last person you had to apologize to?
"Probably my husband because I'm pregnant! A pregnant woman has to apologize a lot."
Life, love and?
"Dancing."
· Des Kohan [Official Site]
· Luxe Flair Lashes' Owner Loves Beyonce and Mocha Fraps [Racked]
· Ashton Michael on Confidence, Unwinding & Usher Moments [Racked]
· Piper Gore on Vivrant Things, Embarrassing Dates & NYE Attire [Racked]