Aura Jobs and Profile

Kristin Tutor Eberts, a former wardrobe and set designer for film, is opening Aura, a new 1500 square-foot destination boutique on Montana Avenue, August 16, 2006. The one-stop-shop meets art gallery will carry an eclectic assortment of leading designers that until now have only been found in Eastside shops. Customers can pick up a rare pair of Zac Posen's high-waist pants and uniquely detailed cocktail dresses, Megan Park's embellished silk skirts, dresses in hard-to-find vintage couture fabrics by Erin Fetherston, along with that perfect pair of skinny jeans from Earnest Sewns latest high-end collection.

The space has been designed by Judith Lance of Studio Sofield West, in collaboration with Kristin. Together they have curated a collection of remarkable mid century furnishings for the store as well as the home of Kristin and Christopher Eberts, creating a setting that supports Kristin's point of view both in fashion and the decorative arts. In addition to a water and wine service, the store's center boasts a mid-century modern living room appointed with a 1950s couch, chairs, side lamps and a coffee table displaying stacks of photography and art books. Kristin will line the walls with rotating art for sale donated from the Peter Fetterman Gallery at Bergamot Station.

While Los Angeles has seen an explosion of cutting edge boutiques over the last five years, Santa Monica has fallen under the fashion radar. Aura is a Westside style Mecca where customers can readily find a flirty cocktail dress, the perfect pair of jeans, or a sexy top for the night in one afternoon of shopping. "We're offering special and unusual pieces that you won't see at Barneys, Neiman's or Saks," says Kristin.

Kristin, who graduated from the University of Southern California in 2001 with a Fine Arts degree, wished to bring her love of art and fashion together in an inviting sophisticated atmosphere that offers fashionable Westsiders an enjoyable and relaxing experience while they shop. Kristin chose the name Aura to embody the positive energy and experience she is offering the customers.

"This is a place where women can come in, hang out and enjoy themselves," says Kristin. "Any woman can walk into Aura and walk out with a pulled together ready-to-wear look that is right for them. We can dress the sophisticated, classic woman from head to toe in a look that is a little more stylish than what some of the other stores in the area are offering, as well as the younger, fashion forward client."

Additional lines include Wyeth, Vivienne Westwood, Collection K, Lauren Moffatt, Peter Som, Sue Stemp, Y & Kei, Karen Zambos, Strenesse, Rachel Roy, James Coviello, Alina Pes, and Dessous lingerie.