A Luminous Evening
Hundreds of pearl aficionados gathered at South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court for an event by Mikimoto and publisher Assouline to celebrate the launch of “The Pearl Necklace.” The coffee-table tome chronicles the history of the pearl necklace throughout time.
The event also debuted a 12-foot-high installation by architectural firm Studio Christian Wassmann, Möbius Ribbon, inspired by the iconic shape of the pearl necklace. Highlighted on the installation were images of Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, among others, draped in pearls. More than $5,000 netted from the event went to benefit the ocean ecology nonprofit Oceana. (Actor Oscar Martinez from the NBC TV series “The Office” spoke on behalf of the organization.)
But the real stars of the night were the pearls themselves. “Wearing pearls makes me feel regal and elegant and very luxurious,” said Lindy Flowers, a Mikimoto model. “The second I put pearls around my neck it almost felt like I’m glowing.” So much for the old saying “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”
Talk about ruggedly handsome
Laguna Nigel resident Andrew Lynch is an ex-lawyer-turned-leather-goods-designer, and the creator of Jackson Wayne, a boutique line of beautifully handcrafted men’s leather goods, from wallets to briefcases.
“These are old-school bags,” says Lynch. “They look vintage but they are designed for the modern man.” Lynch says to understand his company, you need only know its motto: “Jackson Wayne, for the classic hero in a modern world.”
Each piece is 100 percent American made, from the thick, full-grain leather and solid stitching – the kind used in horse harnesses, so they’re more than tough enough to handle a laptop, iPad and files.
And ladies, don’t feel left out: a Jackson Wayne woman’s line is in the works. :: jacksonwayne.com
To the Max
In November, South Coast Plaza welcomed the first freestanding Weekend Max Mara boutique in North America. Fans of the brand swooned over the selection of women’s ready-to-wear apparel, footwear and accessories. A noteworthy find: Max Mara’s newest bag, the Pasticcino. The puffy retro-inspired purse – exclusive to the South Coast Plaza boutique – is named after the Italian word for “small pastry.” Undoubtedly, this clutch is a delicious treat for the eyes. :: us.maxmara.com
Show Off
Reality TV personalities, statuesque models, a French sunglass designer, commercial directors from Venice Beach and Orange County’s fashion glitterati were among the attendees at Laure Heriard Dubreil’s much-anticipated fashion show for The Webster.
Last month South Coast Plaza transformed an overlooked outdoor space – the walkway leading to the Jewel Court bridge – into a runway and intimate luncheon venue with bites catered by AnQi. Dubreil, who previously worked with Nicolas Ghesquiere’s merchandising team at Balenciaga and as top merchandiser at Yves Saint Laurent, first opened The Webster in a historical Miami Art Deco building in 2009. Since then, she has launched other concepts in Bal Harbour and Houston. Now, she’s in Costa Mesa.
Dubriel’s recent collaborations with The Ritz in Paris and Target catapulted The Webster boutiques into the mainstream. But Dubreil isn’t letting the exposure change her or her pet project. The South Coast Plaza store feels like Dubreil’s personal walk-in closet. “You should come in, kick off your shoes and try on everything,” she says. :: thewebster.us
