Los Angeles - September 21, 2004

Legend of the Mall

Eilatan Shoe Store

“Hey, wanna meet me at the mall tonight?”

Hard to imagine those words coming out of your mouth, eh? (After the year 1986, anyway.)

That just might be about to change. Eilatan, a new shoe store in the Beverly Center, is something of a shocker. In the midst of all the climate-controlled sameness, the white-walled boutique is impossible to miss. Sure, the design is eye-catching, but it’s the merchandise that’s the truly winning surprise: rare items from European, South American, Japanese, and American designers, including Hugo Boss Orange Label (available in only 25 U.S. stores). There are also sequined ballet flats from Jeffrey Campbell, limited-edition Converse, and special Asics from the Mexico Onitsuka collection.

It would appear that owners Sally and Dan Goodman, who named the store after their daughter, Natalie (it’s backwards, see?), are set to turn the mall’s bland image on its head.

Oh, and they’re open till 9 p.m.

So you never know what you might catch yourself saying.

Eilatan, at Beverly Center, 8500 Beverly Boulevard, at La Cienega Boulevard, level 6 (310-289-5106).