A Rare L.A. City Guide

Our Creative Director’s favorite places

If you've seen our campaigns, you already know her work. Phoebe Yoo, our Creative Director, helps create Rare Beauty’s visual identity. “It’s everything from font choices to design layouts and photo shoots, all the way down to the mood and emotion the brand wants to evoke,” she explains of her role. “It’s basically building the Rare Beauty world.”

Phoebe grew up in Southern California, and she also happens to have great taste. I asked her where she goes in L.A. for everything from inspiration to comfort food. So whether you live here or need an excuse to visit, let Phoebe show you around...

The L.A. Guide

For Inspiration: SoFi Stadium

“When it comes to inspiration, I don’t go to museums. I listen to music or go to shows. SoFi Stadium is a great venue because it’s so high-tech, and you get to see how each artist translates music into a visual language. It really pushes me to think outside the box. Like, you might listen to a song and imagine a music video for it—the colors, the motifs. Then you get there, and the artist shows something you’d never even think of.”

For Window Shopping: Dover Street Market

"Dover Street Market is always fun because they aren’t afraid to get kooky with their visual merchandising. A few years ago, Marfa teamed up with Dover Street to celebrate their new book, A Marfa Christmas with John Waters, where they had a giant cockroach sitting in the middle of the store. There’s always a unique point of view, which keeps things interesting.”

For Comfort Food: Corner Place

"My dream meal would be Korean barbecue at Corner Place, and I’d order Dongchimigooksu (cold noodles with white kimchi broth) and Galbi combo. That juxtaposition of hot, savory meat with cold noodles is great in the summer. We’re so spoiled with our Koreatown (It’s the best in the country, I stand by that). My parents would take me to Corner Place when I was a kid, and it’s still my favorite spot.”

For a Reset: The Studio (MDR)

“I love Lagree Pilates, especially at The Studio (MDR). I now go twice a week and it's been life changing. I have better posture. I feel more confident in my strength. I feel like my mind is challenged while I’m relieving stress... [laughing] and I love seeing the men fall during class.”

For a Staycation: Santa Monica Proper Hotel

“The Santa Monica proper hotel has it all: beautiful interior design by Kelly Wearstler, great restaurants within walking distance, a pool and beach access, so you get the best of both worlds."

For a Clear Head: Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

“I walk my dog, Mango, up the trail while my boyfriend does the vigorous uphill stairs. I see those girls with their headphones on doing their Hot Girl Walks. I’m always like, what are they thinking about? If they’re like me, they’re problem-solving shoot schedules and rethinking budgets and coming up with campaign concepts. The most creative moments don’t come during working hours.

But I also take the phrase ‘go out and touch grass’ literally. Being at the top of those stairs, with a 360-degree view of L.A., just reminds you how small you are in the world. It gives you perspective. The sun is shining, and life isn’t so bad.”

Have you been to any of these spots? Plan to go? Have other recommendations for Phoebe and our team? Drop me a note!