A visit to Los Angeles isn’t just a chance for celebrity sightings, studio tours or television tapings. It’s also an opportunity to bring home celebrity souvenirs that are LA-specific: celebrity autographs, celebrity clothing and even movie props. If you’re having trouble finding that perfect souvenir, look no further. Celebrity souvenirs from Los Angeles aren’t your typical gifts, and unlike other souvenirs, they’re hard proof that you took part in LA culture.
Celebrity Wardrobes
Perhaps the souvenir of souvenirs is a piece from a celebrity’s wardrobe. Head to It’s a Wrap Production Wardrobe Sales (3315 W. Magnolia Blvd., 818.567.7366; 1164 S. Robertson Blvd., 310.246.WRAP), now in two locations. Wardrobe pieces from Hannah Montana, Ugly Betty, The Shield, CSI: Miami and dozens of others give visitors a wide variety of clothing, hats, shoes, purses, jewelry — whatever you may see on the big screen. Upstairs, the designer showroom features high-end fashion from Armani, Anna Sui, Vera Wang and other renowned icons.
Celebrity Autographs
It’s an unwritten rule in Los Angeles that if you see a celebrity, it’s best to watch from a distance. Polite, sure, but it makes it a lot tougher to snag an autograph for your friends back home. Star World (6665 Hollywood Blvd., 323.469.0757) saves the day, offering autographed celebrity photos from Sylvester Stallone, Halle Berry, Liz Taylor, Janet Jackson, Madonna and Russell Crowe, just to name a few. Autographed index cards are available, while signed glossies are the most sought-after items.
If you’re in the mood for a hunt, stop by the aptly named Off the Wall Antiques and Weird Stuff (7325 Melrose Ave., 323.930.1185), located in the heart of the Melrose shopping district. Odd bits of Tinseltown — signed originals from Disney productions, autographed notes, even an Emmy or two — are showcased here.
Celebrity Rarities — Books, Photos, Shows
With so much lore about Hollywood, it’s no surprise that there’s a bookstore dedicated to industry-related books. Larry Edmunds Cinema and Theatre Bookshop (6644 Hollywood Blvd., 323.463.3273) is where Hollywood stars, writers, directors and producers spend hours browsing over an extensive collection of Hollywood publications. Plus, the shop features more than half a million movie photos and movie posters of more than 6,000 titles.
TV buffs and movie fanatics won’t want to miss Rocket Video (315 N. La Brea Ave., 323.965.1100). This store is the source for obscure '50s sci-fi films, vintage horror movies and other cult classics, and the staff here easily navigates the hefty inventory to help you find them.
