Forget kale. LA’S new obsession is turmeric

There’s an increasing belief among the fashion industry elite (almost all of them based in Paris, London and New York) that Los Angeles may not be the fashion desert it once reliably was. One luxury French house executive last week told me that the reason his company had chosen LA for their launch was that “it now has more creative energy than Milan and Paris combined”.

That may be, although since so much of LA life still happens off the streets, behind high laurel hedges and blank walls, it’s not always immediately obvious. What is true is that nine out of 10 health, fitness, beauty, healthy eating and denim trends start here – and that the vintage shopping is superb. Here’s a list of the latest.

New vintage store: Golden Age

Barely open two months, this is a trove, not just of Fifties and Sixties clothes, but of new shoes that ooze old-school Hollywood glamour. Co-owner Ludvic Orlando, a Marseilles native, who used to work in accessories at H&M, has a refreshing approach to shoe design. He believes they should be comfortable (all have padded soles) and affordable (they’re made in Brazil, so they average $219-$250). With names like Mildred and Norma, they have to make you feel like a Lily Rose Depp wears Golden Age heels in LA late last month

movie star. But they’re practical, too, and amazingly kind on your feet. Lily Rose Depp is a habitual customer and even Dior’s creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri, has been shopping there for inspiration. Not bad for a start-up store at the grungy end of Melrose. (goldenage.com)

New Soulcycle: Hot Yoga Barre Heated asanas combined with old Brit school style calisthenic-dance movements as originally devised in London in the late Fifties by Lotte Burke. Dance to the music of sweat.

New kale: Turmeric

In everything. Make mine a turmeric almond latte.

Beauty hangout: Violet Grey

Everyone here agrees that as far as beauty products go, bricksand-mortar stores are dead in the US, the exception being Violet Grey, a modern homage to silver-screen history. (Dean Martin’s director’s chair sits in the make-up area, and the name violet is inspired by Liz Taylor’s eyes). It was set up by Cassandra Grey, whose husband is chairman of Paramount Pictures. “All beauty trends start here,” one beauty maven told me.

New green juice: hot water, lemon, ginger and cayenne pepper It’s got a kick. Music buzz

Pop-up live scores at film events.

New health obsession: escaping to the desert Or Ojai, a small city, approximately two hours drive from LA. A self-styled Shangri-la, its key attractions are its stunning valley location and all important spiritual retreats. Denim label: Re/done

Old Levi’s, restyled. Eat your heart out, Vetements. Hot ticket: One Gun Ranch in Malibu The biodynamic organic farm is run by Alice Bamford, scion of the Daylesford gang. Access is strictly limited.

Insider’s hotel:

Rose Hotel in Venice Co-owned by fashion photographer Glen Luchford, it’s no-frills and all the more stylish for it. Just seven suites. Those who know say the Penthouse is best.

Best eats

It’s all about the vegan (with egg on the side). Among the best and most fashionable are the fern-festooned Butcher’s Daughter, on Abbot Kinney Blvd, and the Café Gratitude in Santa Monica, where the waiters don’t just ask what you want to eat, but how you choose to share your heart. Leave your British cynicism at the door and enjoy the organic pho.

Scene-y new restaurant: Catch, West Hollywood Enjoy the surround terrace.

Most sought-after swimwear: Brit label Prism It just opened a store in Culver City.

Art scene: The Broad

Downtown and been open since 2015, top-level modern art with free entry.

Flea market: Rose Bowl

Second Sunday of the month and almost worth coming all the way from London. Arrive early.