It doesn’t happen often, so when an International designer skips over New York and decides to put her first boutique in the Americas right here in LA, it’s extra reason to celebrate.

French darling Vanessa Bruno—born into the fashion world to a father who founded fashion house Emmanuelle Khan and mother who was a ‘60s Danish supermodel, and designing since age 24—does seem like a good fit for Angelenos. In this city that reveres “effortless” style, Bruno’s togs are right on target. Delicate, simple, sexy, rustic, futurist, and very very French, her couture looks are nothing if not adorable self-contradictions.

Pret-a-porter offers natural fabrics in uncommon, typically muted colors…artistic lingerie, crepe de chine jumpsuits, sheer tanks, asymmetric dresses, wrap skirts and deceptively simple shifts that defy convention, defy ageism, and sometimes defy logic! Some styles work only for the impossibly skinny, others would look great on anyone, but almost all are original enough to never go out of style.

Think you’ll run into celebs here? Count on it: just last week, Bruno was feted in a private Chateau Marmont birthday dinner (where else?) attended by Rachel Bilson, Kate Bosworth, Julie Delpy, Tara Subkoff and star stylist Nicole Chavez. Models Liberty Ross and Atlanta de Cadenet also joined. Nicole Kidman and Charlotte Gainsbourg are also fans.

Fashion wags say the store’s going to have a proper Grand Opening in October with a newsworthy surprise performance—but why wait until then? The shop is set to open August 5. Ignore what anyone else says–first is always fabulous.

Vanessa Bruno is located at 8448 Melrose Avenue