Devon Ross’s Guide to Los Angeles

Creativity has always been part of Devon Ross’s world. Splitting her childhood between Canada and Los Angeles, she grew up immersed in music through her father, guitarist Craig Ross.  “Being a young teenager and spending some of my most formative years [in Los Angeles] was pretty special,” she reflects. “We grew up fast and experienced and saw a lot at a young age, but I think I’ve gained some sort of wisdom from it. I wouldn’t have had it any different.” 

While she was surrounded by music, her teenage years led her toward fashion, where she walked for houses like Valentino and Simone Rocha. In recent years Ross has returned to music, releasing her own EP in 2024.

Though Ross spent several years living abroad in London, she always suspected that she’d return to Los Angeles. “My family and my friends are what really keeps me here, and work of course,” she explains. Today, the city serves not just as her home base but also as a steady source of inspiration. “The pace of the city is much more easy going and slower than New York or London, which I think leaves a lot of time for reflection. There’s a big history of film and music here and passing landmarks constantly inspires me.”

For Ross, being back in Los Angeles is as much about connection as it is about creativity. “Since LA has become home again, I feel a stronger link to my formative years than I did in other cities,” she says. “There are so many places here that are nostalgic for me. Being around my oldest friends and my closest family members is something I really missed while living abroad.”

Here, Ross shares her guide to Los Angeles, the city that continues to ground and inspire her, as she forges a creative path uniquely her own.

Is there a particular area where you feel the most inspired?

DR I grew up always going to record and book stores, and that always inspires me. Also at home where I have all of my favorite things.

Where is the place you go to when you want to find a good book?

DR My first stop would be Counterpoint Records & Books on Franklin Avenue. Then I’d go to Alias Books East in Atwater Village. There’s also a new one called Hollywood Books that I’m dying to check out.

Where do you go to get the best coffee or tea?

DR This is a pretty basic answer, but it’s near my house and I’ve been going there for years. The Oaks on Franklin has kind of been a hub. Pretty good people watching. If you’re lucky you’ll catch someone like Bob Weir from the Grateful Dead having his morning coffee.

Where would you go to get a good glass of wine?

DR This can also be seen as a pretty basic answer but El Prado is a classic for a glass of wine. I love to take visitors to Musso and Frank for a martini and the quintessential old Hollywood vibe.

Where can you find amazing art? 

DR Castle was shown to me by my best friend who’s an art enthusiast. It’s a great choice.

Where is your number one place to shop?

DR I’ve just recently discovered a shop called Singulier. I also love Shabon and Scout, both on Melrose. I also always find joy digging through second hand stores like Out of the Closet or Goodwill for a hidden cheap gem.  

Where do you go for a great meal? 

DR I have my classics, but I’ve recently fully fallen victim to a newer spot called Saffy’s. It’s sort of upscale Mediterranean, but it’s still a laid back dining experience which I love. I also love grabbing a sandwich at Larchmont Village Wine and Cheese, if the line isn’t too brutal!

Where do you go to enjoy nature?

DR I live right by Griffith Park which is lucky, but I’ve also spent a lot of time going camping in Joshua tree with my friends.

Where do you find a place with good music?

DR My favorite place to play in LA is Zebulon in Silver Lake, and I’ve seen a lot of great bands there. You could also stumble upon someone like Ian Svenonius doing a killer DJ set.