the buzz

Pomegranates,
Iceland comes to Birmingham and more.

THE ICEMAN COMETH

Mark Keller, of the eponymously named iconic

Birmingham boutique of the 1970s-'90s, is

up to new tricks. The North American director

of Icelandic fashion line ELM Design since

2001, Keller — who, he says, has a "great

eye for clothing" — has just opened the first

USA ELM Design store inside and upstairs at

Linda Dresner in Birmingham. Created by three

women, Erna, Lisbet and Matthildur, with the

philosophy "designed by women for women,"

Elm has a purely Icelandic aesthetic that is remi-

niscent of Japanese design; and Keller has cre-

ated a boutique that is as modern and timeless

as the designs. "This is a great, affordable prod-

uct that fits well and looks good on all women,"

says Keller. "Linda and I think it adds to her

store and adds a little more to Birmingham."

(248) 644-0008.

— Illana Greenberg

FOR SHE

To celebrate the one-year anniver-

A SWEET NEW YEAR

sary this month of women's cloth-

When Limor Katz-Evans was pregnant with

ing and accessories boutique SHE,

her third child, a girl following two boys, she

in Bloomfield Hills, owner Sharon

began dreaming about the clothing she would

Eisenshtadt is thanking her cus-

make for her. The Ramat Gan, Israel-born art-

tomers. To that end, for fall 2009,

ist, who came to Kansas City, Mo., after she

"we've changed our merchandise

finished serving in the army, began creating

assortment to be sensitive to the

designs in her basement, and they soon grew

economy and find price points that

into a business, called Ella Klara, after her

are good for everyone and 'pick-

daughter. The clothing, mostly for women and

me-up' items to quench the desire

children, is fun and pretty — and their designs

for less-expensive, spontaneous

all originate in Jewish thought, while spreading

purchases," she says. While there are still gorgeous "wardrobe" pieces by great designers such as Port 61,

a universal message. The artist combines Jewish

Catherine Malandrino, Malene Birger, Yigal Azrouel and Charles Nolen, there also is a wonderful new

symbols, like a hamsa or a pomegranate, and/or

selection of tops and casual wear by CP Shades (like the Marissa shirt, $150, shown), LOVE SHOP,

phrases with English translations, such as tik-

Calypso, 0039 Italy and a new line designed by Sharon Segal (Fred's daughter). And don't miss the exclu-

kun olam (repairing the world) in designs that

sive jewelry designs by Kate Ostrove. Call SHE or visit Shebloomfield.com for anniversary celebrations

are "self elevating when you wear them," she

including charity tie-in events and designer trunk shows. (248) 594-8181

says. To order, visit EllaKlara.com or Etsy.com .

—I. G.

8 •

SEPTEMBER 2009 • .1\

—1 G.

