This is the entrance to the Desmond’s store on Wilshire Blvd. Desmond’s was the first major clothing retailer on the Miracle Mile when it opened in 1929. This photo was taken in 1939, aka Hollywood’s greatest year. What I find striking are the huge window displays. Us Angelenos usually drive to a store and park in the parking lot (what used to be called “the carriage trade”) and rarely see what department stores even have in their window. In fact, as I sit here thinking of the department stores I go to, none of them even have windows that look out onto the street.
Hi – I remember Desmond’s fondly. Very classy. Re department stores: did you watch “Mr. Selfridge” on tv? I’m watching the final chapter and, knowing how it ends, I don’t really want to see the finale – but will. He has just met the Dolly sister in the episode I watched last evening. Too sad. Have you ever been in a Selfridge’s?
Love always, Lou.
Louella, I’ll bet you no doubt have very fond memories of Desmond’s.
Boy, isn’t that entrance so movie-star glamorous?
How about these striking displays:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/10/0f/2d/100f2d624a4e5645952bc72895c311e0.jpg
And from 1928:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/08/63/d5/0863d50bad4bf1fccff865cad557a436.jpg
Thanks, Martin.
Jean