With Belle Gray Boutique Closing, Celebrity Row Loses Some Sparkle

The Belle Gray clothing boutique in Sherman Oaks, opened in 2003 by husband and wife celebrities Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin, is set to close on Jan. 14.

The stylish shop at 13812 Ventura Blvd., known for carrying eye-catching specialty ladies' wear and accessories, is now holding a liquidation sale. The sale is being held under the auspices of Dave Morris, a Denver, CO, consultant from G.A. Wright, which specializes in liquidation and promotion sales.

Wright spoke to Sherman Oaks Patch about the store’s closing. He stressed that the decision to go out of business was not made because of the economy. In fact, he said, “business was wonderful, but running it was becoming too much” for Rinna and Hamlin.

“Both are working and no longer have the time to manage the store,” Wright said.

Asked if there was a possibility that the shop could reopen at another time, Morris indicated that could happen. He also said that Rinna was launching a new clothing and accessories line with QVC, the home shopping network. The new line will be called Belle Gray.

According to a “special invitation” recently mailed to some Sherman Oaks residents, the store is now selling all merchandise, store fixtures, furniture and equipment. Items include women’s casual wear, shoes, accessories and jewelry from local designers, including J. Brand, Black Halo, Jet Gypsy 05, and many more. Colorful signs posted on the store’s windows also advertise the sale and special incentives to customers.

When Belle Gray opened, not only did it bring some celebrity cachet, it added to Sherman Oaks' storied history of having specialty boutiques—some with star connections—housed in many of Ventura Boulevard’s quaint buildings. Nearby shops include reality TV star Tory Spelling’s home furnishings store, InvenTori; the popular Mark’s Garden, Hollywood’s favorite florist; and actress Melissa Joan Hart’s SweetHarts.

Early last year, Belle Gray had three burglaries in six weeks, which some claimed was a publicity stunt by Rinna and Hamlin, which they vehemently denied. With the addition of a stronger police presence, a good alarm system and a dog, no future problems have occurred. At the time of the burglaries, Sherman Oaks Patch made several unsuccessful attempts to contact police on whether there were any leads.