BULLOCKS WILSHIRE: Wilshire Boulevard’s Glittering Art Deco Emporium of Dreams followed by the 1939 movie THE WOMEN

One of Los Angeles’ most exquisite Art Deco buildings is still a shining beacon on Wilshire Boulevard, thanks to Southwestern School of Law’s adaptive reuse of the luxury department store as its law library. Award-winning author Margaret Leslie Davis will recount the history of this magnificent retailer, which clothed the likes of Mae West (who had merchandise brought out to her car for her approval), Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich, to name a few of Hollywood’s famous clients of the Art Deco era. Designed by Parkinson and Parkinson in 1928, the legendary building is a preservation success story. Margaret Leslie Davis will give a one-hour illustrated presentation, followed by a book signing of "Bullock's Wilshire" (Balcony Press) and classic film THE WOMEN (1939).

Just as models once circulated through high fashion salons to show customers the latest couture, in department stores like Bullock’s Wilshire, the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles’ Fashion Committee will showcase some authentic Adrian fashions from a private collection, in a brief presentation prior to THE WOMEN.

Bullock's Wilshire illustrator Gregory Weir-Quiton also joins us at the event. Interestingly, Gregory met Norma Shearer at a party at the Astor's in Pasadena in the 1960s! As a kid growing up in Detroit, Gregory saw the glamour of Hollywood as his way out of the automotive industry. AND he could draw! Once in Los Angeles, he drew fashion illustrations for all the major department stores, culminating in the final decade of the fabulous, iconic Bullocks Wilshire. Gregory will be on site with sample illustrations from his work for Bullock's Wilshire in the late 80s and early 90s, plus note cards and t-shirts for sale, that bear his images.

Cornerstone Brick Designs will be displaying their one-of-a-kind LEGO replica of Bullocks Wilshire — normally displayed in the Central Hall of Southwestern Law School — as well as an exclusive LEGO miniature of Bullocks Wilshire for purchase.