LA.COMFIDENTIAL > CELEBS.

An animated scene

Seen the Kwik-E-Marts popping up around town? Those are 7-Eleven stores that have been transformed into Apu's shop in honor of the upcoming release of "The Simpsons Movie" (see one in Burbank or West L.A.), that are actually selling Buzz Cola and Krusty-O's, products heretofore only seen on the long-running animated television show. Those will only be around for a month, but on Thursday night in Culver City, the Wonderful World of Art Gallery in Culver City launched an ongoing exhibit (and sale) of actual animation cels from the movie and the show, with a private party that also featured Flaming Moes, Duff drinks, and pink-icing-adorned doughnuts from Frittelli's.

Stephen Reis, assistant director of "The Simpsons," was on hand to explain animation techniques to the avid crowd that included Tom Arnold, Fred Willard and son Freddie, gallery owner Debbie Weiss and Joe Mantegna, who snuggled up to a giant Homer Simpson sculpture but drew the line at the temporary tattoos that artists were spraying on.

"My mother is still alive -- I could never get a tattoo!" he said with a horrified look.

Not even one of Homer himself, which was the most popular one of them all? "Not even Homer; she'd kill me," he said, laughing.>JENNY PETERS, SPYWITNESS

Clothes-minded

Angelenos can happily set flames flying off their credit cards, as two top shops have reopened with a flourish -- and two posh parties on Wednesday night in WeHo.

Fendi Casa was first, a civilized late-afternoon soiree set amid the newly expanded furniture and accessories shop on Robertson at Beverly. Champagne and martinis were flowing early, and Table 8 Chef Govind Armstrong was on hand with his new cookbook, "Small Bites, Big Nights," signing copies and revealing that he "had to redo the recipes over and over" to get them just right. The merchandise at the shop was just right, too -- white leather sofas, bright red overstuffed velvet chairs, fabulous fur rugs; it's a place that's packed with luxe products sans price tags. Remember, if you have to ask, you cannot afford Fendi.

Down the street and over on Melrose, recycled designer clothing shop decadestwo celebrated its expansion with a packed get-together of fanatic fashionistas, who didn't balk at the sky-high prices for used garments and accessories.

"I just bought a fabulous Dolce & Gabbana purse here that I believe belonged to Julianne Moore," pop singer Jody Watley (who wore her own vintage Herve Leger dress) revealed. "And I've given Christos (Garkinos, the shop's owner) a few of my pieces to sell, as well. I've been shopping here since he was in just a small cubicle."

So have a slew of his famous friends, who all crammed into the shop's much-expanded space, filled with castoff designs by Tom Ford, Chanel, Gucci, YSL and other top names. Everyone from scruffy Jared Leto to sleek Joely Richardson and her pretty daughter Daisy jammed the place; we spotted Ali Larter, Alyson Hannigan, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelly Carlson, Sharon Lawrence and a very pregnant Garcelle Beauvais in the crush, too.

As for the flames flying off the credit cards at decadestwo? It seemed the must-have purchases on opening night were high-end handbags; as one fashionista sniffed, "At least you know where those have been. Can't say that about the clothes."

>J.P.

Party pictures

Silicone, comb-overs and collagen ruled on Rodeo Drive Thursday night, as a seriously bizarre-looking group gathered at the Celebrity Vault to celebrate 50 years of "Playboy" magazine's most iconic images.

Expected cover girls Pamela Anderson and Jenny McCarthy were no-shows, and Hugh Hefner and his bevy of blond beauties didn't arrive as scheduled, but Christina DeRosa, she of the July issue of "Playboy," wore next to nothing and vamped for the cameras.

Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin left her girls at home but avidly perused the gorgeous pics of Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Stephanie Seymour and other "Playboy" standouts, then checked out the moves of the two ex-Centerfolds decked out as Bunnies -- Hiromi Oshima and Deanna Brooks. Those seemingly natural beauties drew happy stares from "Charlie's Angels" helmer McG, along with actors David Zayas and Patrick Kilpatrick.

And ironically, considering the preponderance of huge fake breasts on serious display all over the room, the most-photographed female in the place was diminutive actress Bai Ling, whose striking beauty and slim silhouette prove that women can have a career in Hollywood without going under the knife to satisfy the readers of "Playboy."

>J.P.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) no caption (Homer Simpson)

(2 -- color) Jody Watley

MICHAEL BUCKNER>GETTY IMAGES

(3 -- color) Christina DeRosa

>GETTY IMAGES