English transplant Sue Stemp – who spent years in New York working for Daryl K and Tocca, among others, and launching her eponymous label – moved to LA’s Laurel Canyon in 2009. There, she and her husband Paud Roche launched the ethically-made St. Roche brand, now available at our CFDA Loves LA shop-in-shop at the new Fred Segal on Sunset Boulevard. In celebration of the shop and the Fred Segal Loves CFDA concept, we caught up with Stemp on LA, Fred Segal and must-have buys at the shop.

Why did you agree to participate in the CFDA Loves LA shop?

I’m really excited to participate in the CFDA Loves LA shop along with the other interesting brands and creative design talent involved. Fred Segal is an LA icon, and this is a great opportunity to reach their customers in a beautiful new environment and exciting retail concept.

What do you love about LA the most?

I love the diverse natural beauty that surrounds the city: the canyons, beaches, mountains, deserts, stunning sunsets and the smell of eucalyptus.

What is the one must-have item of yours available in the shop?

We designed seven exclusive embroidered items for the shop, inspired by local nature and iconic visual touchstones to us in LA. My favorite is a California Poppy embroidery in black on our signature style oversized Willow Shirtdress in yarn-dyed stripe linen.

If you plan to buy an item from one of the other participating designers, what is it?

I would buy a hand-woven cashmere scarf from A Peace Treaty. They’re beautiful!