Los Angeles buzzed with anticipation Wednesday evening as Staud, the fashion brand founded by Sarah Staudinger, hosted a kickoff cocktail party for Frieze Los Angeles. The event, held at the iconic Chateau Marmont, drew a crowd blending the worlds of film, fashion, and art, marking a significant moment for the city’s growing cultural scene. The gathering served as a prelude to the seventh edition of Frieze, a major international art fair, and underscored Staud’s increasing presence within the art world.
Hosted alongside Staudinger’s husband, Ariel Emanuel, founder of Mari and executive chairman of WME Group, the party quickly became a star-studded affair. Guests included actors Orlando Bloom and Rachel Sennott, alongside industry figures like Lauren Sánchez Bezos, Veronica and Brian Grazer, Winnie Harlow, and Bill Maher. The event highlighted the intersection of entertainment and art, a theme increasingly prevalent in Los Angeles. The evening’s focus extended beyond socializing, featuring a special collaboration between Staud and Ethiopian artist Merikokeb Berhanu.
A Collaboration Bridging Art and Fashion
At the heart of the event was the debut of a limited-edition version of Staud’s popular Tommy bag, reimagined in collaboration with Berhanu. The project, inspired by Berhanu’s 2025 painting “Untitled CII,” transformed the handbag into a wearable work of art. Four unique designs were created, each featuring intricate beadwork and abstract motifs in a vibrant palette of greens, blues, golds, and black. These exclusive pieces, limited to just 10 of each design and priced at $1,300, were available for purchase at Staud’s Melrose Avenue flagship store.
This marks Staud’s first artistic collaboration on the Tommy bag, signaling a new direction for the brand and a commitment to supporting emerging artists. Berhanu, an Ethiopian-born painter represented by the James Cohan gallery, brings a unique perspective to the project, further enriching the cultural dialogue surrounding Frieze Los Angeles. The collaboration demonstrates a growing trend of fashion brands partnering with artists to create exclusive, collectible items.
Hollywood and the Art World Converge
The Chateau Marmont penthouse was packed throughout the evening, with conversations flowing between industry leaders and creative talents. Orlando Bloom was among the notable attendees, alongside “Tell Me Lies” actors Branden Cook, Sonia Mena, and Katherine Hughes. Also present were Scout Willis, Devendra Banhart, and art-world figures such as Jeffrey Deitch and Essence Harden. The atmosphere was lively, with guests enjoying champagne and conversation as music filled the space.
The event wasn’t just a social gathering; it was a networking opportunity for those at the forefront of art, and entertainment. Jeffrey Deitch, a prominent art advisor and former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, was seen in conversation with Emanuel, suggesting potential acquisitions and collaborations. The presence of industry power players like Mike Ovitz and Scooter Braun further underscored the event’s significance within the broader Los Angeles landscape.
Emanuel’s Frieze Acquisitions
The evening before the party, Ariel Emanuel was actively involved in the art market itself, making several purchases at Frieze Los Angeles. According to Page Six, Emanuel and Staudinger acquired works by Sam Gilliam, William H. Johnson, Keith Haring, and Yvonne Wells. The purchases included three tapestries depicting Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Michael Jackson, demonstrating a taste for pop culture iconography.
Emanuel’s ownership of Frieze, through his company Mari, adds another layer to his involvement in the art world. His active participation in both the social and commercial aspects of the fair highlights the growing influence of entertainment industry figures in the art market. The acquisitions signal a continued investment in both established and emerging artists.
As Frieze Los Angeles continues, the collaboration between Staud and Merikokeb Berhanu, alongside the high-profile attendance at Wednesday’s kickoff event, sets a tone of creativity and collaboration. The limited-edition Tommy bags are available for purchase, offering a tangible connection between the worlds of art and fashion. The fair is expected to draw significant attention to Los Angeles as a global hub for both artistic expression and entertainment.
The Frieze Los Angeles art fair continues through Sunday, February 29, 2026, with further events and exhibitions planned. Updates and information about the fair can be found on the official Frieze website.
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