Take an inside look at the latest grand openings and designer debuts in and around Newport.
By Kirsti Correa
A CLEAN SLATE
Ask a stylist or designer what his or her one wardrobe essential is and they’re likely to respond with three letters: LBD. A little black dress is a closet staple for any woman and any occasion. “During the winter in New York, I wear a lot of little black dresses because they’re versatile,” explains fashion designer Rebecca Taylor. “I thought that it would be great to do a collection of dresses that have the versatility of the LBD, but for the summer.”
And just like that, Rebecca added a twist to the standard design with a little white dress capsule collection that debuted earlier this summer. Featuring nine different dresses designed to go from “a desk to dinner,” the collection is suited for Newport living all summer long. We met with Rebecca at her flagship shop in Fashion Island for her style tips on the best pieces to pair with a white dress.
THE RETAIL REPORT
CHLOÉ unveiled a new look for its boutique in South Coast Plaza this past June with a cocktail reception and presentation of the latest fall styles that now fill the gold shelves of the revamped space. (714-481-0308; chloe.com)
A recently opened TOMS EYEWEAR pop-up cart at Fashion Island helps restore vision to those in need, providing prescription lenses, surgery or other medical treatment for each pair of glasses sold at the cart. (toms.com)
The third California location of the classic American clothing and accessories brand J.MCLAUGHLIN opened in Corona del Mar Plaza in late June, offering its “wear now” collections for women and men in a modern yet whimsical shop. (949-706-6993; jmclaughlin.com)
FRAU, the maker of premium women’s and men’s footwear, brings its handcrafted Italian shoes to Newport Beach at the recently opened location in Fashion Island, which stocks styles ranging from loafers and booties to sandals and wedges. (949-706-6476; frau.it)
TRADITIONAL JEWELERS at Fashion Island relocated its salon this July to a larger 10,000-square-foot space, which features four new “shops within a shop” for top brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Panerai. (949-721-9010; traditionaljewelers.com)
Find one-of-a-kind pieces from established and emerging designers alike at JEANNI CHAMPAGNE BOUTIQUE, which opened in July at the Newport Coast Shopping Center. (949-645-6731; jeannichampagne.com)
