Take an inside look at the latest grand openings and designer debuts in and around Newport.
By Bria Balliet
Revamped Valentino
Valentino’s South Coast Plaza location has undergone a lavish renovation, recently reopening its second-floor boutique, which now embodies the luxury brand’s new direction. Placing an emphasis on personal space and a unique experience that is unlike that of traditional shops, the new Valentino boasts multiple rooms, each one dedicated to a different aspect of the label’s collection. Featuring women’s ready-to-wear, handbags and shoes, the sections are united by the Venetian terrazzo flooring throughout the store. (714-751-3300; valentino.com)
Brilliant Baubles
Fans of statement jewelry at modest price points have flocked to collect the latest and greatest goodies from fashion jewelry retailer BaubleBar. Now, the brand’s assortment of stunning and unique pieces—which is updated with new baubles weekly—has arrived at select Nordstrom department stores across the country, including South Coast Plaza. BaubleBar’s chic collection of necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings debuted at Nordstrom this spring via in-store pop-up shops and recently became a part of the retail giant’s regular inventory. (Nordstrom, South Coast Plaza: 714-549-8300; nordstrom.com) (BaubleBar: baublebar.com)
Swiss Sophistication at A’maree’s
The understated yet luxe Swiss brand Lorenz Bach has been a staple among the elite in the tiny Alpine town of Gstaad—where the brand was founded—for several years. Now in a period of expansion that includes debuting lines in shops in Brooklyn, London, Austria and more, the Swiss brand’s autumn/winter collection arrives at A’maree’s along Mariner’s Mile in Newport. The fine fabrics and expert designers that the brand employs—most from Gstaad or Paris—make for an extremely versatile line that is as approachable as it is chic. Expect Italian dress shirts and linen jackets, and cashmere sweaters with the company’s signature wool cross to be on display at the local boutique. (A’maree’s: 949-642-4423; amarees.com) (Lorenz Bach: lorenzbach.com)
