RICH AND ARIANE MACDONALD
DAWSON COLE FINE ART
The husband-and-wife duo behind Dawson Cole Fine Art, established in 1994, curate contemporary and modern sculpture, original paintings, drawings, prints, and unique works at locations in Carmel, Laguna Beach, and Palm Desert. This year marks their 10-year anniversary on El Paseo.
Business philosophy (Rich): Having grown up surrounded by the arts, my father instilled in me from an early age the belief that great art is timeless. Our mission has always been to discover works that are not only of exceptional quality, but also deeply unique — each piece with its own story to tell and the power to inspire.
Favorite artwork in store (Rich): I’m reminded of a famous artist’s response when a visitor asked the same question: “The one on my easel, of course!” For the artist, it’s about the creative process, but for me as a gallery owner, my favorite piece is often the one that just arrived. The collection is always evolving, and each new work feels like Christmas all over again throughout the year — there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover. Being surrounded by great art is a privilege that never gets old.
El Paseo hangouts (Ariane): We love the vibrant mix of dining and shopping on El Paseo. The relaxed, stylish ambiance of Porta Via makes it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner, while Eddie V’s is always a favorite with signature cocktails and premium steaks. We also enjoy shopping at Trina Turk, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, and exploring the unique local boutiques.
Debra Carrington
DEBRA CARRINGTON
SUMMER COLONY LIVING
After her initial pop-up was a huge success, Summer Colony Living officially opened its doors on El Paseo in March 2018. Owner Debra Carrington prides herself on sourcing unique clothing for men and women, as well as accessories, fine jewelry, home items, and art, from emerging luxury designers around the world. Carrington regularly travels to different markets and shows, including New York Fashion Week, to discover new brands to introduce to her clientele. “I cater to the customer that wants to be casual and sophisticated while at their summer holiday home,” Carrington says. “We’re a luxury store, but our customers love our uniqueness. We keep it fresh every year, and I love bringing in emerging designers and giving them a platform.”
Business philosophy: Providing excellence, superior customer service, and uniqueness.
Signature look: Edgy yet classy.
Favorite item in store: I hand-pick every brand that comes in the store, so I love them all.
El Paseo hangouts: I love international cuisine and indulging in dining and cultural experiences. I also like supporting the local restaurants, so whether it’s Eddie V’s, Kitchen 86 + Bar, or Porta Via, I try to support them all.
Lucien Wolff
LUCIEN WOLFF
DESERT WOLFF
It all started in 1984, when architect-turned-art-curator Lucien Wolff purchased an art gallery at the Century Plaza in Los Angeles from one of his clients. Years later, after his kids had grown up, Wolff packed up and moved to Palm Desert, opening his namesake gallery and showroom on El Paseo in 2019. “Desert Wolff is a treasure trove of art, accessories, sculptures, glasswork, pedestals, coffee tables, art chairs, and anything interesting that I can find,” Wolff says. “I look at it as an interesting, artistic experience.”
Business philosophy: My gallery is a fun, joyful, and happy place to visit. I carry a lot of bright colors to elevate a mood, but more importantly, I am passionate about every item I choose that comes into the gallery. I enjoy the purchasing, displaying, and selling of inventory and in so doing, I am passing energy.
Design aesthetic: Interesting, unique, emotion-evoking, and a visceral feast for the eyes.
Recent indulgence: I recently discovered an original painting by Thomas Gainsborough that I authenticated through artificial intelligence in Geneva and the San Diego Art Institute, which identified the painting as an original with modern technology. The painting is from 1773, but through X-ray abilities, they discovered an original portrait underneath. It has to be one of the most exciting finds of my career.
El Paseo hangouts: Mitch’s on El Paseo — I like the owners, Mitch and Melissa. I also like La Spiga, and California Pizza Kitchen makes a terrific salmon dish.
Denise Ragland
DENISE RAGLAND
TRINA TURK
When Denise Ragland moved to the desert 20 years ago, it was love at first sight when she discovered Trina Turk. Prior to joining the company, she worked for Kate Spade and Banana Republic, but as soon as a management role became available, she jumped at the opportunity. These days she oversees the Palm Desert and Palm Springs boutiques as market manager. “Trina Turk is the epitome of the Palm Springs lifestyle,” Ragland says. “When people come to the desert, they want to embrace the lifestyle by wearing a caftan or a bright outfit. Many of our customers who live in multiple places keep their Trina Turk wardrobe in their Palm Desert home to wear exclusively when they’re here.”
Signature look: Trina Turk is known for selling caftans, but two of my favorite pieces she comes out with every summer are the Corbin Shorts and Garnish Top. I like to style the shorts with the matching top and add a pair of fun wedges.
Favorite item in store: The Kailee Top has a Jackie O–style collar, and every season, it comes out in a different color. I own it in every color that has been released in the past five years — it’s my signature thing.
Recent indulgence: Whenever there’s something special to celebrate, like my recent promotion, I head over to Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar to order the filet tacos and piña coladas.
El Paseo hangouts: If I’m hanging out with my girlfriends, we go to La Fe Wine Bar — it’s a great spot for birthdays. Kitchen 86 + Bar is another favorite.
SHERI PIERATTONI
PIERO’S PIZZAVINO
Sheri Pierattoni never planned to own a restaurant, but when her late husband, Piero, passed away in 2018, she suddenly found herself at the helm of Piero’s PizzaVino. A native of Florence, Piero moved from Italy to the desert in 1986 and opened Mamma Gina that same year, then he opened Piero’s PizzaVino in 2011. Sheri has carried the torch and retained the focus on authentic Italian pizzas, family recipes, and neighborly service. “One thing I always hear from customers is that they see my staff smiling,” Sheri says. “We have a happy work environment, and we’re consistent. You’re only as good as your team — my staff are incredible people, and together we’re like a beautiful orchestra that makes Piero’s PizzaVino what it is.”
Sheri Pierattoni
Business philosophy: I treat my team with respect and show them appreciation. It is important to me to create a happy environment where everyone likes coming to work, has fun, and our patrons can feel it.
Signature look: I like changing my style. The most important thing is that I am comfortable and feel good in what I’m wearing.
Favorite item on the menu: It depends on how hungry I am!
Recent indulgence: I love good red wines. I just bought three cases of Jayson cabernet by Pahlmeyer.
El Paseo hangouts: Il Sogno for breakfast and lunch. Mitch’s on El Paseo for dinner. Drinks at La Fe Wine Bar and Sottovoce Café.
Lia Skidmore
LIA SKIDMORE
SKIDMORE CONTEMPORARY ART
Prior to arriving on El Paseo in 2024, gallerist Lia Skidmore operated successful art hubs in Malibu and Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station. She studied art history and has worked as an art advisor and dealer for more than 25 years. Her late husband, Michael Zakian, was director of the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University and a curator at the Palm Springs Desert Museum (now Palm Springs Art Museum). Skidmore represents 32 artists, and her gallery is divided into two exhibition areas, with several one-person shows and group exhibitions coming up. “I love interacting with all of the people who come by, it’s a very friendly art experience,” she says. “We encourage everyone to come in and think of the gallery as a museum. You don’t always have to buy something; we love talking with people and educating them about art.”
Business philosophy: Being friendly, guiding others, and helping them learn about art.
Signature look: T-shirt dresses and pearls.
Recent indulgence: I went to Venice, Italy, for the Biennale exhibition in April.
El Paseo hangouts: I’m new on El Paseo and am still discovering places, but Saks Fifth Avenue is one of my favorites.