La Perla: Contemporary Design with a Modern Twist

In September of 2009, opened its doors to an eager clientele of decorating enthusiasts, jewelry connoisseurs and modern day, Middle Eastern traditionalists.

Montrose is home to some of the most creative antique lovers and celebrated local artists and this exclusive gallery showcases upscale designs from around the globe to adhere to every taste. While the intricate and uber chic items at La Perla include one-of-a-kind gifts, home furnishings and accessories, this elegant and reasonably priced boutique only adds to the quality of Montrose’s famous Honolulu crawl. La Perla exudes an elegance that has customers creating a buzz about their fashion jewelry, tabletop knickknacks and lavish contemporary home décor.

La Perla’s beginnings were nothing short of serendipitous. Co-owners Jake Menachian and George Ashjian came up with the concept after the recession brought about some serious and sudden changes, “I was working with a wholesale jewelry company and was laid off,” Ashjian said.

“After two months, Jake was laid off, as well," he continued. “It was very difficult to find a job after that because we have a lot of experience and everybody thought we were over qualified. And we thought we should do something—so we opened the store.”

With several years experience in Montrose retail, Menachian is the owner of the popular novelty store , also on Honolulu Avenue. His work ethic and dedication to the residents of Montrose have garnered Menachian a local favorite.

This modern gallery carries products from all over the world including Pasadena, Glendale, the East Coast, Louisiana, Europe, South Africa and the Middle East. For any occasion and any budget, La Perla carries brands like Jay Strongwater, Michael Aram, L’Objet, Beatrize Ball, Mustardseed and Moonshine, John Wind, Gorgio Martello Milan and IAR.

“Sometimes we get orders from all over the country,” said Ashjian.

On May 6, Ashjian and Menachian are extending an invitation to Patch readers and San Gabriel Valley residents to join them for their exclusive event at La Perla Design Gallery.

“We are promoting the Pom Club,” reveals Menachian. “Pom is short for pomegranate. There is nothing to it. The customer comes in, we give them a card and every time you come, you receive 20% off your purchase. It’s an automatic savings after your first visit.”

“There are no tricks, no gimmicks, just straight savings,” added Menachian.

“It’s very simple. We’re not sending rockets to the moon or anything. No black out dates. When the store is open, you get 20% off your next visit.”

The Pom Club has an even deeper meaning according to Menachian, “The pomegranate, in the culture, means prosperity.”

“A lot of our customers are Armenian and you can see a lot of pomegranates all over the place in our store,” he added.

Come nosh on complimentary hors d'oevres and pomegranate martinis at La Perla on May 6, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and become a free Pom Club member to receive 20% off all purchases 365 days a year!

La Perla Design Gallery is located at 2315 Honolulu Avenue. Find them online at www.laperladesigngallery.com.