Is Robertson Boulevard the new Rodeo Drive?

Kitson -- purveyor of pricey flip-flops and Hilton sisters garb -- had better watch its bedazzled back. WWD reports today that Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana's D&G store will be the new luxury retailers on the block, come next year. Ralph Lauren is also due to set up shop on the trendy street. Add to that the fact that denim demigods Seven for All Mankind recently moved in and Vince is coming too.

In the story, a retail analyst says this: "Robertson is a street to watch. With brands like D&G and Chanel coming in, it is going to explode and rents are going to go through the roof. That’s what’s missing on Rodeo Drive, quite frankly. Rodeo is a beautiful street but…it is about the tourist."

Um, dude: Have you been to Robertson Blvd. lately? It's crawling with sunburned tourists in skinny jeans a size too tight and paparazzi. Rodeo Drive gets more Asian and European tourists with bottomless credit cards. Robertson Blvd. gets the looky-loos, desperate for a glimpse of Lindsay or Paris sans panties.

Photo credits: Robertson, San Diego Tribune; Rodeo sign, Gary Wayne