OPI Products Inc., a North Hollywood nail products firm, is getting the celebrity treatment.
The company announced in December that actress Kerry Washington would be its first-ever creative ambassador.
Washington, known for playing the hard-hitting Olivia Pope on ABC drama “Scandal,” will help create nail polish shades and names as well as consult on creative projects for OPI.
Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, the company’s co-founder and executive vice president, said she approached the actress last year about the opportunity.
“I am excited and honored to have Kerry as an ambassador for the OPI brand and grateful for the chance to collaborate with her,” Weiss-Fischmann said in a statement. “I noticed that (“Scandal”) was on the tip of everyone’s tongue from the boardroom to the water cooler and Kerry had unquestionably become a role model for women everywhere. She truly empowers women of all ages. … She is bold, fashionable and loves nail lacquer.”
Washington said in a statement that she is a huge fan of OPI and was excited about the opportunity to work with Weiss-Fischmann on developing shades and names.
OPI, originally a dental supply company, was purchased by George Schaeffer in 1981. He joined with Weiss-Fischmann, his then sister-in-law, to turn it into a nail care company. It has 700 employees and offers more than 400 shades, with quirky names such as its popular Lincoln Park After Dark, an eggplant-colored polish, and a red shade called I Eat Mainely Lobster.
The company was acquired by fragrance giant Coty Inc. of Paris in 2010 for an estimated $1 billion and still operates independently.
OPI collaborates with everyone from singers such as Gwen Stefani and Mariah Carey to beverage maker Coca-Cola Co. to create one-of-a-kind nail colors.
Fresh Wardrobe
The boxes are stacking up for men’s subscription service Trendy Butler in Los Angeles.
The company raised $1.15 million this month in a seed round led by Hong Kong firm Capital Union Investments along with SOS Ventures in San Francisco, Global Trust Fund in Las Vegas and Thursday Capital in Los Angeles.
Jeremy Barnett, co-founder and chief executive of Trendy Butler, said it’s been a strong first year for the company.
“In 12 months, we went from launch to a multimillion-dollar business with over 5,000 monthly subscribers,” Barnett said. “Our growth continues to be strong on a month-over-month basis, outpacing first movers and competitors.”
He added that the funds would be used to help scale its business in areas such as operations, fulfillment and member experience.
“We are proud of what we were able to accomplish and are committed to keeping our core DNA consistent with the business practices which got us to this point,” Barnett said. “Outside funding ensures maximum efficiencies in all areas of the business as we continue to scale.”
Barnett and Ali Najafian, chief technology officer, co-founded the company last January.
Subscribers pay $65 a month and receive merchandise worth up to $150. Members complete a style profile online and receive a curated selection of clothing such as sweaters and button-up shirts from brands includings Jachs New York and Naadam Cashmere.
Najafian said the idea is to help men dress better and shop less.
“Our technology will allow men to never have to shop again, yet interact with their wardrobe and carry themselves with confidence in any situation,” he said.
The Trendy Butler co-founders’ approach to office décor is on display in this week’s Executive Style. (See page 58.)
Revolving Doors
Israel couture designer Galia Lahav opened her first U.S. flagship store in Los Angeles this week. The namesake line and store will carry Lahav’s bridal wear as well as a recently launched eveningwear collection. … Bridal showroom Solstice Bride opened last month off Abbott Kinney Boulevard in Venice. The store features exclusive gowns from labels such as Stone Fox Bride and Delphine Manivet as well as accessories from labels such as Heart of Gold and Jennifer Behr. … Apparel label Lovers + Friends, owned by Cerritos online retailer Revolve, has launched its first activewear collection. Prices range from $74 for a sports bra to $106 for mesh leggings. … Detroit accessories and watchmaker Shinola will be opening a boutique on Abbot Kinney in April and a second shop in downtown Los Angeles this summer. … Luxury accessories brand Miansai of New York will open its first West Coast store on Abbot Kinney in March. The 1,000-square-foot location was previously occupied by designer Liseanne Frankfurt. … Downtown L.A. clothing brand Stone Cold Fox will open an Abbot Kinney shop this month. … Consignment shop Museo, featuring labels such as Tom Ford and Brunello Cucinelli, opened its first shop, in Venice, this month.
Staff reporter Subrina Hudson can be reached at [email protected] or (323) 549-5225, ext. 251.
