Designer duds, art exhibits and haute hotels give plenty of reasons to head out and about in Orange County.
Mulberry’s mini Roxanne bag in Deep Amber Heavy Grain from its 50th anniversary collection. COURTESY OF BRAND
THE BRITISH ARE COMING In fact, they have already arrived thanks to the March opening of Mulberry’s first full-range boutique on the West Coast at South Coast Plaza. Toasting its 50th anniversary this year, the luxury British brand—founded in 1971 in Somerset, where it still manufactures its beloved leather bags—is offering its womenswear, handbags, travel collections, accessories and more in a minimal yet chic space. Celebrate its five decades by exploring the newly launched Icon Editions collection featuring collectible mini versions of its most storied silhouettes—from the Alexa and the Roxanne to the Bayswater and the Amberley. mulberry.com; southcoastplaza.com
Opening day ticket, Disneyland (1955), purchased by Roy O. Disney OPENING DAY TICKET, DISNEYLAND (1955), PURCHASED BY ROY O. DISNEY, WALT DISNEY ARCHIVES, ©DISNEY
LAST CHANCE Experience the whimsy and wonder of Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic at Bowers Museum before the three-time-extended exhibition comes to a close June 20. Curated by the Walt Disney Archives in conjunction with Bowers Museum, the 10,000-square-foot traveling showcase allows viewers to explore more than 400 objects, ranging from 50 pieces of original artwork to 15 original screen-worn costumes to three cars. Highlights include rare sketches from Fantasia, ghouls from Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion ride, a replica of Disney’s office from the film Saving Mr. Banks, maquettes from Frozen and much more. It’s the perfect outing before you head back to the newly reopened Disneyland Park this summer—finally! bowers.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
HANG TEN Make a stylish splash this summer by hitting the beach with Louis Vuitton’s new surfb oard, available for purchase through its South Coast Plaza boutique. Designed by Los Angeles-based contemporary multimedia artist Alex Israel, the vibrant wave rider celebrates the launch of the French fashion house’s new unisex fragrance, On the Beach. Craft ed by Master Perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, the scent captures the delight of a sun-kissed day on the sand with notes of yuzu, neroli and aromatic herbs. For the collection’s gradient color palette, Israel turned to his hometown for inspiration, drawing upon hues of the sun and sea. Further, Louis Vuitton devotees can purchase a made-to-order fragrance trunk to house the latest scent plus two others. Discover Sun Song, Cactus Garden, Afternoon Swim and California Dream, which also pay homage to the magic of the West Coast. louisvuitton.com; southcoastplaza.com
COURTESY OF BRAND
WINE ABOUT IT Following the success of its beloved locations in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, the award-winning Rancho Capistrano Winery is adding a third locale to its growing portfolio in Ladera Ranch. Slated for a fall debut, the 5,400-square-foot restaurant, featuring an additional 3,000-square-foot patio, will set up shop at Mercantile West overlooking the idyllic Town Green. “Many of our guests at the San Juan Capistrano location are from Ladera Ranch, and it isn’t uncommon to have an hour or more wait there and in San Clemente,” notes owner Kyle Franson. Oenophiles can sample more than 40 vinos from Napa Valley and beyond thanks to O.C.’s largest winery while enjoying fare from executive chef Adrian de la Torre. Live entertainment and weekend brunch will round out the charmed offerings. Sip, sip, hooray! ranchocapwinery.com
Founder Victoria Kennedy at her Newport Beach gallery, Kennedy Contemporary. KENNEDY CONTEMPORARY PHOTO BY LAUREN CATE PHOTOGRAPHY
TRUE COLORS When it comes to matters of art, Newport Beach resident Victoria Kennedy has a trained eye for contemporary creations thanks to degrees from Stanford University and Claremont Graduate University, plus time spent working in galleries in San Francisco and Park City, Utah. Now, she’s opened Kennedy Contemporary, a new 990-square-foot space representing nine artists at The Walk on Westcliff Drive. Stop by June 3 for the gallery’s inaugural solo exhibition featuring the works of local artist Elyse Katz, followed by a July 15 reception for Santa Monica-based artist Joseph Justus’ solo exhibition, which will be on display through Aug. 8. kennedycontemporary.com
A peek at a redesigned ocean-view king guest room at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. COURTESY OF BRAND
OH, MAKE ME OVER Book a staycation at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, where its 396 guest rooms and suites have received a brand-new look inspired by its seaside locale. Designed by luxury hotel interior designer Wimberly Interiors, the refreshed spaces complement the oceanic palette of the redesigned Club Level Lounge, where its seating capacity has doubled. Free-standing tubs await in its suites while its guest rooms now feature glass-enclosed walk-in showers with white Statuario marble for the ultimate relaxation experience. Club Level rooms from $1,099 per night, 949.240.2000, ritzcarlton.com/lagunaniguel
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