“I don’t come to Los Angeles very often, but I should,” said Joseph Altuzarra on Thursday afternoon. The designer was making a 24-hour trip to celebrate the launch of his handbag line at Barneys New York’s Beverly Hills flagship. He had some help from stylist Petra Flannery and her client, actress Zoe Saldana. “I’ve loved Joseph’s designs from the beginning,” said Flannery. “He’s such a great talent,” added Saldana, who had just arrived back from Vancouver, where she’s been shooting the new “Star Trek” movie.
For his part, Altuzarra said he wasn’t the type to “chat up actresses at events.” Instead, “I prefer when it’s more organic. Like if they get what I’m about and there’s a mutual admiration there. My women tend to be very independent thinkers, more risk-takers.”
That would explain what attracted January Jones to the event. “I always try to choose things that are unlike what I’ve worn before,” she explained. However, she and Altuzarra preferred to discuss subjects ranging from dating to digestion over lunch, causing the actress to exclaim, “This has been the best fashion lunch conversation ever.” In keeping with his subtle style, Altuzarra didn’t even ask if she had a stylist until the end of the meal. It was a moot point anyway, as the two had exchanged e-mails by that time, ensuring that Jones wouldn’t have to waste any time the next time she’s looking for an outfit.