Since she launched her own fashion line in 1995, Trina Turk has grown her company into an iconic brand of California-inspired women’s clothing. Her local fashion house releases 11 collections annually, each one featuring bright colors, carefree styles and versatile designs for LA women to wear on their adventures, whether that involves brunch, shopping or a day at the beach.
As a California native residing in Silverlake, Turk spends most of her free time scouring the city for inspiration, one-of-a-kind finds and good eats. We caught up with Turk to chat about her go-to spots for artisanal cocktails, beach sunsets, treasure hunting at vintage shops—and, of course, what to wear.
What do you do for work?
Fashion Designer and CEO of Trina Turk. I see my role as design police and arbiter of Trina Turk. I make sure that everything we produce is upbeat and happy.
What do you love most about LA?
Its landscape, architecture and the multicultural aspects of the city.
When did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
I wanted to be a fashion designer as soon as I figured out it could be a career after learning to sew at age 11. I loved clothes and was obsessed with fashion magazines, checking the mail every day to see if my Seventeen or my sister’s Glamour or Mademoiselle had arrived. I bought fabric with my allowance, used my mom’s remnants or recycled whatever fabric I could find.
What is a defining moment in your career?
I’m always proud to see women on the street, on a beach or poolside, in a meeting or at an event looking great in my clothes.
In your opinion, what’s the most fashion-forward part of LA right now?
What’s your favorite trend?
Mixing prints, patterns and textures and layering pattern on pattern.
Name an item of clothing every LA woman should have in her closet:
A bold printed dress is a versatile essential that can take you from poolside to cocktail parties to city soirees. I am loving our Calistoga Dress.
Where’s your favorite place to grab a drink in LA?
The Hungry Cat because the perfectly mixed artisanal cocktails are just so fresh, it’s hard to have just one.
Which restaurant do you frequent the most and what are your favorite dishes?
AOC Wine Bar has delicious small plates and an amazing wine list. I love the cauliflower with curry and red wine vinegar, and it’s hard not to order ALL of the salads. It used to be just three doors down from our Los Angeles boutique on West 3rd Street, before they moved.
Where is a cool place to take an out-of-towner?
Melrose Place and the area around Melrose/La Cienega because you can shop both fashion and home.
Describe your perfect Saturday in LA:
A perfect day in LA would involve some vintage shopping, a visit to a great museum exhibit to inspire me, driving on one of California’s many scenic routes, dining on something fresh and local and watching the sun set over the ocean with wine (from California) and my husband, Jonathan.
Name three things that everyone in LA should experience at least once:
Outside of visiting the Trina Turk store on West 3rd Street, everyone should go to the Current Affair to shop for vintage finds and LA Modern Auctions for incredible art, see the city’s modern architecture and museums, visit the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, take a walk on Abbot Kinney in Venice, go to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, stay at Chateau Marmont and watch the sunset at El Matador Beach.
Finish this sentence: Los Angeles is…my favorite city.
