Editor's Letter - Service and Style

The Pacific Life Open and Fashion Week El Paseo

It will be difficult to focus on the business of publishing a magazine this month, as the Pacific Life Open and Fashion Week El Paseo unfold in Indian Wells and Palm Desert, respectively. An office pool has yet to surface, but we will be hard-pressed to sit quietly at our computers as Novak Djokovic continues his crest of success against the world’s top opponents. With wins in the past year against No. 1-ranked Roger Federer and No. 2-ranked Rafael Nadal, the 20- year-old Djokovic has become a superstar, climbing to the No. 3 position and bringing momentum to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Aside from raw talent, he serves up a fun-loving spirit that’s engaging and refreshing in professional sports. Contributing writer Joel Drucker caught up to the athlete-entertainer for his feature story, “The Court as Stage.” Point your Web browser to www.pacificlifeopen.com for ticket information.

Meanwhile, the adventurous Eduardo Lucero will be the featured designer at Fashion Week El Paseo. Based in Los Angeles, Lucero takes a practical approach to creating dresses, emphasizing that fit always comes first. In Palm Desert, he will unveil his newest collection, with some of the dresses featuring his signature draping. In “The Power of Fashion,” contributing writer Jorie Parr asks Lucero about his philosophy of “classic, but not traditional” and — with the help of Palm Springs Life Fashion Editor and Fashion Week El Paseo Producer Susan Stein — offers a sneak peek at his stunning new creations. Go to www.fashionweekelpaseo. com for a schedule of events and information about Lucero’s March 29 runway show.

Enjoy!

Correction

“There’s Magic Here” (January 2008), our feature about Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel putting their moutainside Shangri-La on the market for $35 million, mispelled the name of the house’s architect, Bob Easton, of Montecito. To see more of Mr. Easton’s work, visit his Web site at www.BobEaston.com.