Pop-Up for Charity

Dana Davis is doing a little good for the holidays. The fashion-comfort designer launched her first pop-up boutique in Los Angeles on Nov. 12, and is donating a portion of the store’s sales to the Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA. “I’m on the board of the Mattel Children’s Hospital, and it’s an incredible organization that I wholeheartedly support,” Davis told Insider. The designer also cheered the Melrose Place location she nabbed for the temporary store, slated for a three-week run. “It’s amazing for a new brand like mine to have a freestanding boutique at all, especially in such a prestigious location,” she said. “The fact that it’s short-term adds to the excitement. This one is particularly exciting because Los Angeles is my hometown.” So if the store proves to be a success, might there be additional Dana Davis pop-ups next year? “Absolutely,” she said. “I love the process, and it would be great to take it to other cities.” During the opening night party, Insider caught up with Frank Zambrelli of Banfi Zambrelli, who is collaborating on designs with Davis. He said the experience of helping Davis create a comfort line with flair is making him rethink the comfort aspects of his own collection. “Let’s be honest: Most of the [luxury] industry doesn’t care about what a woman feels like,” he said. “But when you see a fine, rich heel that a woman can wear for eight hours, it makes you think about what’s possible.” Zambrelli said he also was prepping for a second appearance on QVC after his own diffusion line of 1,800 pairs sold out in just 8 minutes last September. His next appearance is slated for February. “From there, we’ll see if it turns into something more full time,” he said. Others who turned out for the event were movie producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Paris Hilton and Anjelica Huston.