Opened just five weeks ago in downtown Manhattan Beach, the boutique known as Forma (in the space formerly occupied by Beehive) offers visitors an eclectic and deeply personal shopping experience. Curated by designer and entrepreneur Honor Topcu, Forma draws its roots from Topcu's global perspective and decades of experience.
A European Perspective
Topcu’s journey began in fashion design and later into consulting, helping European brands rebuild their identities and reconnect with their audiences. With an expert eye for analyzing and revitalizing struggling brands, Topcu expanded his talents beyond fashion, saving his family’s manufacturing business and eventually founding his own building materials brand, which now exports to over 35 countries. After moving to the United States twelve years ago, he found himself drawn back to the creative energy of retail during the pandemic. While most of the world was shutting down, Topcu saw an opportunity to create something vibrant and new.
Inspired by the Italian word for "form," Forma is a reflection of his extensive travels and his keen eye for the unique and unexpected. Each item in the store is personally selected during his journeys through Europe and beyond, with pieces from Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, France, England, and more. In Forma, "whatever you touch has a story," says Topcu. His intention is to create a space that feels more like a gallery of discoveries, he says, full of objects that invite conversation and connection.
Beyond simply sourcing goods, Topcu uses Forma as a platform to mentor young designers, many of whom are featured exclusively in his store. His background in textiles and manufacturing, which includes creating products for prestigious clients like Hilton and the Beverly Hills Hotel, gives him the expertise to help emerging designers refine their products and build their brands.
Constant Renewal and Storytelling
Visitors to Forma will find an ever-changing selection of items, with new merchandise arrives every two to three days. The store also offers its own line of home textiles, including robes, kimonos, towels, and throw blankets, all produced with the same care and commitment to quality that defines the Forma ethos.
In addition, Forma creates its own line of candles in-house, and offers a complimentary set of matches when you buy two.
Even in a city known for its stylish boutiques, Forma stands out as a space where artistry and craftsmanship meet; whether it’s a delicate piece of jewelry from a young designer in Istanbul or a luxurious blanket made in-house.
While Manhattan Beach is Forma’s newest home, Topcu has plans underway for future locations in Malibu, Santa Monica, and Newport Beach, all of which will carry forward the same spirit of curiosity and craft. For now, though, Forma's Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach locations continue to welcome visitors to ask questions, explore, and experience the magic of finding something truly special.
Forma is located at 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Suite 100, in Manhattan Beach. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Telephone 424-234-8082.