Grazia Gazette: The Spring Issue Vol.19

GAZETTE GRAZIA

AQUAZURRA LAUNCHES A NEW HANDBAG LINE WITH A STARSTUDDED COCKTAIL PARTY

After 10 years of crafting the perfect pumps, Aquazurra has ventured into handbags. The brand celebrated its new luxury launch by raising a glass with stars like Jessica Alba, Poppy Delevingne, Tina Leung, Valentina Ferragni and Caro Daur during Paris Fashion Week at the iconic Hôtel d'Évreux. The space was adorned with breathtaking floral arrangements that showcased the colorful new collection.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROWBEN LANTION/BFA.COM

THE SCENE & The Seen

The best of fashion week parties from Milan and Paris

PRESENTED BY

BALLY AND RHUIGI VILLASEÑOR CELEBRATE DURING FASHION WEEK

Hot o the heels of his second show for heritage brand Bally, Creative Director Rhuigi Villaseñor celebrated the Fall/ Winter 2023 collection at the Japanese restaurant Ronin in Milan. Ronin has become a hotspot for young creatives in the city—following the same trajectory as the newly revived fashion house. Villaseñor’s status as a cool new designer means he attracts very cool guests, and this event was full of famous faces. The likes of Lori Harvey, Dixie D’Amelio and Frida Aasen were all spotted fêting one of the hottest brands of the moment.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATTEO PRANDONI/BFA.COM

Clockwise from top le : Tina Leung; Valentina Ferragni; Caroline Daur; Poppy Delevingne; Edgardo Osorio and Jessica Alba.

Clockwise from top le : Dixie D’Amelio; Rhuigi Villaseñor and Lori Harvey; Frida Aasen; Chriselle Lim.

Farm to Shelf CBD www.plant-power.io

JOSEPH ERRICO

EDITOR & CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

ILARIA SVITIC

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CASEY BRENNAN

EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT LARGE

AARON RASMUSSEN

EXECUTIVE EDITOR AT LARGE

COLLEEN KRATOFIL

EDITORIAL & DIGITAL DIRECTOR

JACLYN ROTH HEAD OF ENTERTAINMENT

SHELBY COMROE FASHION MARKET EDITOR

HANNAH MILITANO STYLE WRITER

ALEXANDRA SEXTON ART DIRECTOR

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

ANDY LEW

The global CEO of St. John joined the brand in May 2021 with a proven track record of driving worldwide growth for luxury fashion brands. The Southern California-born Newport Beach native has an a nity for and unique understanding of the St. John customer. Lew has set out to honor the brand’s rich legacy while continuing to modernize the American luxury house for today’s multi-generational women.

MATT CRAFTON

As Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena resident winemaker, Crafton oversees all production and operations. He plays a critical role in strategy, education and technology at the winery, known for its ageworthy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. “The vineyard produces this raw material with so much potential,” Crafton says. “My job is to take this humble ingredient and not only make something delicious but also inspiring.”

JESSICA BAILEY INTERNATIONAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

CHARLOTTE STOKES FASHION DIRECTOR

GRACE O’NEILL FASHION WRITER

REBEKAH CLARK

ALGAR BEAUTY

LEE TRINK

The CEO and co-founder of FaZe Clan has proven to be an influential entrepreneur in the entertainment and media industries, creating a brand that extends beyond esports to mainstream entertainment.

MARY ROGERS

Rogers is the managing director at the beachfront hotel Montage Laguna Beach and oversees sister properties Montage Healdsburg and Pendry San Diego as the area general manager. She’s currently the only female GM within Montage Hotels & Resorts and has been recognized with several awards throughout her career. She also sits on the board of Visit Laguna Beach and is an active member with the City of Laguna Beach.

MARISSA MILLS & LISA PRESENT

Mills and Present are cofounders of the global fashion and event production agency Style Firm. They have worked in the industry for over 20 years and their business has produced more than 1,500 events. Style Firm has teamed with celebrated fashion houses from Chanel to Oscar de la Renta and assisted retail clients Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and more.

ON

ON LEFT: Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra earstuds Rose gold, carnelian; Sweet Alhambra pendant, Rose gold, carnelian; Sweet Alhambra watch, Guilloché rose gold, carnelian, Swiss quartz movement, VanCleefArpels.com.

ON RIGHT: Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra necklace, 10 motifs, 18K rose gold; Perlée pearls of gold ring, Rose gold; Perlée clovers ring, Rose gold, diamonds,; Perlée watch, Rose gold, guilloché white mother-of-pearl, Swiss quartz movement, VanCleefArpels.com.

A coterie of Angelenos who embody success, culture, change, and the art of living well

THENEW & TH E NOW

Dare to DREAM

Spring is a time to shed the stressors of winter and usher in a new season, one blooming with possibilities. A beautiful array of inspiration awaits thanks to a special immersive installation by Van Cleef & Arpels. e storied French jeweler is taking over the Jewel Court at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa from April 1 to 16 and putting its most dazzling watches in the spotlight. e brand promises the 1,000-square-foot display will transport viewers to a space “suspended between heaven and earth” in an environment that will feel like a “walk in an enchanted forest.”

e special installation, Poetry of Time, will bring to life Van Cleef & Arpels’ legendary watchmaking skills. Notably, the selection will explore two themes that are important to the brand—nature and astronomy. As visitors admire the timepieces, they will notice wall motifs inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels creations thanks to the décor by the Aubusson tapestry workshop and the Glassworks glass workshop.

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

“ e Poetry of Time installation re ects the unique creativity and watchmaking expertise of the Maison,” says Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels Americas. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors into our enchanted garden to discover our most precious creations and experience educational workshops with our Swiss craftsmen.”

e brand is also unveiling a surprise for all timepiece a cionados by pre-launching the Sweet Alhambra watch in rose gold and carnelian and presenting the Lady Féerie Or Rose watch exclusively at South Coast Plaza.

Admirers of Van Cleef & Arpels will recognize the Alhambra collection, which famously features a four-leaf clover-inspired charm representing a token of luck. Its latest iteration, the Sweet Alhambra style, appears to be a bracelet at rst glance, but a subtle dial graces the largest clover shape amongst its alternating gold and ornamental stone motif.

Van Cleef & Arpels has incorporated fairies into its designs since the ‘40s. For the new pink-hued

Lady Féerie watch, Poetic Complications, a fairy on the dial is the embodiment of a fairytale dream as it marks each hour with a magic wand that doubles as one of the watch’s hands.

If ower power is what you’re looking for this spring, the Lady Arpels Heures Florales and Lady Arpels Heures Florales Cerisier watches burst with creativity and poetic touches. Both pieces highlight the beauty of nature and were inspired by the oral clock concept from Carl von Linné’s 1751 book Philosophia Botanica. e 3D owers on the dial actually bloom and close, and the 12 corollas refresh the dial's overall look every 60 minutes.

Last but not least, there are new versions of the signature Perlée watch featuring a double line of golden beads surrounding a dial adorned with pavéset diamonds, guilloché rose gold or mother of pearl.

Prepare to be whisked away and immersed in a beautiful moment in time by the dreamy installation. Visit 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa; vancleefarpels.com

HAPPIEST Hour THE

Get a taste of the beloved N.Y.C hotspot Via Carota with its new bottled craft cocktails

Très Chic

Dior’s latest store opening brings the brand’s quintessential dash of French luxury to South Coast Plaza

The Italian trattoria Via Carota, dreamed up by James Beard award-winning chefs Jody Williams and Rita Sodi, charms locals and visitors alike who clamor for reservations at the cozy, rustic restaurant in the heart of New York City’s West Village. Even if snagging a seat proves impossible, a little of the restaurant’s magic can be enjoyed at home thanks to the newly launched Via Carota Craft Cocktails (VCCC). Both Williams and Sodi wanted to elevate the ready-to-pour category with their special range of bar favorites. They launched three categories of cocktails, each with two variations. The Negroni family o erings include the classic Negroni and white Negroni. The bourbon-based cocktails have an Old Fashioned and signature Manhattan. And the martini family features an espresso martini and signature martini. All are bottled in beautiful Stranger & Stranger packaging.

“We’ve worked for years to perfect our recipes in the kitchen and behind the bar, and we’re honored that VCCC can take this inspiration and allow consumers to experience the finest craft cocktails, anywhere,” Sodi says. “We hope you love the cocktails as much as we do.”

Cheers to the dynamic restaurateurs already promising more classics cocktails are coming soon.

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

Leave it to Dior to continue to one-up themselves by creating another dreamy shopping destination. e luxury French brand recently reopened its store at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, adding a splash of French sophistication with its chic all-white look. e exterior features sleek Sivec marble, while the inside is bathed in rich creams and tans. Cozy couches and chairs provide a perfect spot to take a breather and admire the well-designed store. ree art pieces by Etienne Moyat, the sculptor known for his technique of transforming wood into beautiful high-end projects, greet shoppers in the women’s ready-to-wear rooms. In addition to clothing, the newly revamped store also sells leather goods and accessories plus Dior Maison pieces and perfumes. Step inside your own little piece of Parisian paradise right in Orange County. Visit 3333 Bristol Street, Suite 1424, Costa Mesa; dior.com

BY JACLYN ROTH

Fan Favorite

St. Roche gives its celeb-loved Sissy sweater a fresh take for spring

e Los Angeles-based brand St. Roche, known for giving traditional craft techniques a modern approach, has made a name for itself thanks to its A-list fanbase. Nicky Hilton, Olivia Wilde, Ruth Negga, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Allen and others have all been spotted in the brand’s coveted “Sissy” sweater. Now, the beloved style is getting a chic update. Co-founder and creative director Sue Stemp revamped the timeless design with a new ivory colorway featuring classic navy Breton stripes, a attering high rib hem and eye-catching pointelle knit detailing. As always, the piece is made from sustainably sourced Alpaca yarn by St. Roche’s Fair Trade Certi ed manufacturing partners in Peru. e must-have staple is available for a limited time only so consider this a warning to join the (uno cial) “sisterhood of the traveling sweater” now. Shop st-roche.com.

BY HANNAH MILITANO

Work of Art

See the scope of artist Daniel Arsham’s innovative creations in an impressive new exhibition

Contemporary artist Daniel Arsham’s latest project is all about looking back. e interdisciplinary creative, 42, is showcasing his rst major solo museum exhibition in the U.S. at the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) from Feb. 15 to June

4. Daniel Arsham: Wherever You Go, ere You Are brings together a collection of 40 of his pieces created over the past 20 years and explores the artist’s concept of ctional archaeology. e exhibit features every medium Arsham has worked with, from clothing to sneakers to sculpture. “I think it’s going to allow audiences to really understand the full scope of my interests,” Arsham says.

OCMA is known for its critically acclaimed exhibitions and has featured the works of Robert Irwin, Charles Ray and Catherine Opie, to name a few. Currently, the museum holds more than 4,500 items created by artists who draw inspiration from or work in the great state of California. Visit 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa; ocma.art

BY JACLYN ROTH

LUXE LIVING

Everyone knows the feeling—you arrive at a destination after long travels and realize all the accessories you packed are just...o . Now, Vivrelle and Four Seasons are teaming up to ensure you have everything you need as soon as you get to where you’re going. e membership club just partnered with the luxury hotel brand to o er a closet full of designer accessories, including items from brands like Gucci, Prada and Saint Laurent, at select Four Seasons locations. e complimentary service is free of charge and initially rolls out at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles. Both hotel guests and homeowners can borrow and access the platform’s array of handbags, jewelry and diamonds—and membership isn’t required. "Four Seasons is a like-minded partner that we have always admired and loved," says Blake Ge en, co-founder of Vivrelle. "We are thrilled to be partnering with select properties and are eager to grow the relationship with e Four Seasons. Our brands have a shared a nity for providing a luxury experience rooted in convenience, care and customers rst. is partnership will expand our reach across the country, and we're excited for this new era of accessory accessibility in today's travel and luxury landscape."

Vivrelle members craving a spring break getaway can currently take advantage of exclusive rates at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. e genius mashup means traveling in style is all but guaranteed. Learn more at vivrelle.com

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

BLING QUEEN

Jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher brings her famous hoops and more to the West Coast

Jennifer Fisher’s iconic hoop earrings adorn the earlobes of everyone from Jennifer Lopez and Michelle Obama to Hailey Bieber and Rihanna—and now, Angelenos can shop the trendy styles at the designer’s Beverly Hills store. Known as the “Queen of Hoops,” Fisher opened her boutique on North Canon Drive to serve the needs of West Coast clients. (The brand also has a N.Y.C. brick-and-mortar store in SoHo.) "Opening the Beverly Hills store was a long time coming and an exciting milestone,” Fisher tells GRAZIA USA, explaining the location’s original debut date was delayed because of COVID-19. “L.A. is one of our biggest markets and the collection fits well with the West Coast style. The space sets the tone for the rest of our stores as we continue expanding." Visit 450 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills; jenniferfisherjewelry.com

BY CASEY BRENNAN

CELEBRATING A CLASSIC

Nothing screams California cool like a pair of Vans. The o cial slip-on shoe of surfers and skaters has earned a place for itself in the history books when it comes to style trends. Founded in Anaheim in 1966, the sneaker and action sports brand is now headquartered in Costa Mesa.

Vans owns various skateparks in Orange and Huntington Beach, and this month, the area is celebrating the company with a special event. On April 13 at 7:30 p.m., the Orange

County Historical Society (OCHS) will give a presentation on the history of the iconic sneaker company at Trinity Episcopal Church (2400 North Canal Street, Orange). It will be led by Vans Brand Historian Catherine Acosta, who founded Vans’ o cial archive in 2019. Vans lovers will also hear from VP of Promotions and Events Paul Van Doren, the son of Steve Van Doren, Van’s co-founder.

BY SHELBY COMROE

Calling all California skaters, surfers and bikers: If you love Vans, then you’re going to want to listen up

For your next getaway, rest easy knowing a closet filled with designer accessories awaits

Flower POWER

Everyone knows the snarky Miranda Priestly quote in The Devil Wears Prada: “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” But hear us out—this season the pattern was given a fresh spin thanks to Loewe, Brandon Maxwell, Erdem, Carolina Herrera, Markarian and Dior. Each brand sent blooming interpretations of the spring staple down the runway, so why not lean into the warmer weather and flaunt some new favorite florals?

BY SHELBY COMROE

BRANDON MAXWELL

CAROLINA HERRERA LOEWE

DIOR

Alaïa clogs, $1,040, maison-alaia.com.

Hermès clogs, $1,275, hermes.com.

JW Anderson clogs, $550, brownsfashion.com.

Manolo Blahnik x Birkenstocks clogs, $750, bloomingdales.com.

RE/DONE clogs, $525, shopredone.com.

Miu Miu dress, $2,600, modaoperandi.com; Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings, $16,400, Vintage Alhambra bracelet, $14,500, Charms watch, $21,400, vancleefarpels.com; Khaite boots, $1,240, khaite.com; Gucci bag, $6,900, gucci.com; Saint Laurent sunglasses, $560, ysl.com.

Markarian jacket, $8,795, short, $4,795, Markarian-nyc.com; Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra earrings, $5,400, Sweet Alhambra watch, $8,850, vancleefarpels.com; Manolo Blahnik sandals, $975, luisaviaroma.com; Savette bag, $2,750, bergdorfgoodman.com.

Luxe LIP BALMS

Glossier Balm Dotcom, $14, glossier.com.

ILIA Lip Wrap Reviving Lip Balm, $24, sephora.com.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $18, sephora.com.

rhode Peptide Lip Treatment, $16, rhodeskin.com.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $24, summerfridays.com.

Magda Butrym top, $1,190, modaoperandi.com; Ambush pants, $715, brownsfashion.com; Van Cleef & Arpels Bouton d'or earrings, $29,100, Perlée couleurs ring, $7,700, vancleefarpels.com; Blumarine pumps, $626, mytheresa.com; Bottega Veneta bag, $3,100, bottegaveneta.com; Moscot sunglasses, $380, moscot.com.

Paco Rabanne top, $850, luisaviaroma.com; Tibi skirt, $475, tibi.com; Khaite belt, $380, bag, $1,800, khaite.com; Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra earstuds, $2,450, Perlée clovers bracelet, $28,000, Perlée pearls of gold bracelet, $4,850, vancleefarpels.com; Ganni boots, $725, ganni.com.

U BEAUTY The Plasma Lip Compound, $68, violetgrey.com.

April Showers

Don't wait for "May flowers" to add pops of color to your wardrobe. Thanks to these edgy pieces, rainwear has never looked so chic

by SIMONE FALCETTA

Styled by ANNA SGURA

Photographs

Merkisa raincoat,, amazon.com; Sportmax shirt, miniskirt, us.sportmax.com.

Herno raincoat, us.herno.com; Wolford dress, wolfordshop.com.

Marina Rinaldi raincoat, us.marinarinaldi.com; Zimmermann top, zimmermann.com.

Blauer USA raincoat, blauerusa.com; Elisabetta Franchi turtleneck, elisabettafranchi.com.

Louis Vuitton trench coat, louisvuitton.com; Casadei pumps, casadei.com.

Des Phemmes bra, jacket, skirt, modaoperandi.com; Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, giuseppezanotti.com.

The O.C.'s Claim to Fame

From the Golden Era of movies to today’s reality TV celebrities, how Orange County became ‘the Hamptons of Hollywood’

BY CASEY BRENNAN

Before Mischa Barton and Lo Bosworth, there was Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

Orange County was originally founded as a port region, while its name boasts about the plentiful farming opportunities, which was intended to promote immigration to the area. But the beautiful seaside towns soon became popular among celebrities during the early days of Hollywood, making it the ideal location for stars to settle in for weekend retreats.

“Orange County was conveniently close to Hollywood but not so convenient that the headaches of Hollywood followed the stars down here,” Chris Jepsen, President of the Orange County Historic Society, tells GRAZIA USA. “ ey could relax on their patio or go for ice cream with their kids without having ashbulbs go o in their face.”

For younger audiences, Orange County entered the pop culture chat in the early aughts with the debut of the hit show e O.C. e cast included newcomers Mischa Barton, Rachel Bilson, Adam Brody and Ben Mackenzie—who made headlines

and gained fame for their antics both on and o screen. Fans of Arrested Development, may recall the quirky Bluth family owned a frozen banana stand on Balboa Island in Newport Beach.

Next came popular reality shows like e Hills and Laguna Beach which created stars like Kristin Cavallari, Lo Bosworth and Lauren Conrad, as well as the original season of Bravo’s e Real Housewives of Orange County. A Selling Sunset spino , Selling the OC, focused on the well-heeled clients of Orange County while Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles star Josh Altman set up a new o ce in Newport Beach.

But long before these shows made their mark on Orange County, major movie stars like Humphry Bogart and wife Lauren Bacall, as well as Frank Sinatra (aka “Chairman of the Board”), child star Shirley Temple and country-western legend John Wayne called Orange County home. In fact, Wayne was such a prominent resident of the area—he lived in Newport Beach from 1966 until the time of his death in the late ‘70s—that the regional airport in Santa Ana is named after him.

“Stars like Harpo Marx would come to Santa Ana to quietly get

married,” Jepsen says. “John Wayne could yell at a bad driver and not have it appear in the national news the next day. And up until the big real estate boom of the 1950s and 1960s, Orange County was also more rural than Los Angeles. Depending on where you spent your time in Orange County, there was an element of “getting away from the hustle and bustle” and driving out amongst the orange groves, along Laguna’s rugged shore, or though rustic canyons.”

Today, Orange County continues to grow and thrive, with a population of over 3 million people and a vibrant community. ere are endless options for residents and visitors when it comes to drinking and dining, shopping and places to stay. Newport Beach’s Fashion Island boasts shopping destinations like Neiman Marcus, St. John and preppychic Lilly Pulitzer while South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa is home to over 250 high-end boutiques like Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Van Cleef & Arpels and Gucci as well as over 40 dining options, making it the O.C.’s go-to destination.

For super luxe vacations and staycations, there are plenty of options including the Resort at Pelican Hill, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach and Montage Laguna Beach, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

“ ere is so much to o er in Laguna Beach and Orange County, from our stunning beaches and exquisite cuisine to outdoor recreation, creative activities, and more,” Mary Rogers, Area General Manager and Managing Directorat Montage Laguna Beach tells GRAZIA USA “Laguna Beach began as an artist colony in the early 1900s and quickly became a popular destination because of its beautiful oceanfront locale, art galleries and charming beach town environment. You still feel and experience that when you’re here, which continues to compel people to visit and return.”

Peserico trench coat, us.peserico.com; Pinko jumpsuit, pinko. com; Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, giuseppezanotti.com.

Gather at the GARDEN

Orange County is blooming with beautiful green spaces that connect residents with nature–and one another

BY COLLEEN KRATOFIL

If the past few years taught us anything, it’s that being connected to nature, our neighborhood and one another, is more important than ever before. Many quickly felt the realities if all were taken away amid the coronavirus pandemic, and three years later, it’s important to remember the lessons learned during that time. We can’t think of a better place to appreciate the beauty of nature than in a ourishing garden in the springtime. Orange County happens to have an array of gorgeous green spaces—with many located on historic properties— lled with native plants. Many gardens o er tours, group classes and events that not only make it a beautiful retreat but a gathering space as well.

Take Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, it’s the only oceanfront public garden in southern California and thanks to its unique environment, “its microclimate causes owers to bloom every month of the year,” Amy Behrens, Casa Romantica Executive Director, tells GRAZIA USA. e 2.5 acres of coastal ora has 10 themed gardens which overlook the ocean for spectacular views of the San Clemente Pier and Catalina Island. e property also contains the historic Spanish Colonial Revival house that was built by the founder of the city of San Clemente, Ole Hanson, in 1927. e house had many owners after Hanson, but was eventually registered as a historic landmark, revived, and transformed into not only a garden, but a cultural arts center for the community that opened in 2004.

e center throws over 100 multicultural events each year and the latest event is occurring on April 26-30. “Casa Romantica will host a ve-day festival celebrating Celtic arts and traditions headlined by Hollywood's most recorded piper, Eric Rigler (whose music can be heard in Titanic and Outlander), with a tasting garden and family-friendly activities on the weekend," Behrens shares. Acclaimed jazz singer Alicia Olatuja will perform on May 11 for a bene t concert supporting Casa Romantica's historic preservation and programs.

Another historic landmark in the area that contains both beautiful scenery and engaging cultural programs is Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Clemente. Between the Spanish Colonial architecture, cobblestone paths and garden, visitors are transported to another time. e grounds feature the Serra Chapel, e Ruins of the Great Stone Church, and plenty of greenery, including agave, succulents, Oak trees, Elderberry trees and the o cial state ower, the California Poppy, and when it blooms, it creates an “ocean of orange in the front courtyard,” Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams tells GRAZIA USA

ere are cactus gardens and an ornamental rose garden but what makes this space so di erent than others in the area is the juxtaposition against the decaying ruins of the Great Stone Church, which fell in 1912, and the original mission. " ere's no place you're going to see something like this because we have a group called the Gardening Angels and an amazing landscape company that work together to keep a sense of renewal and the spirit of the place alive,” says Lawrence Adams. “ e gardens are always evolving and changing in color because we don't have an evergreen garden.”

e space also hosts numerous events and in May, it will celebrate its Home Front America partnership. "We have about 400 six-foot American ags in our central and historic courtyard that are all sponsored in honor of a veteran.”

A unique hideaway in Laguna Beach is the Hortense Miller Garden. e 2.5 acres of hillside landscape was originally created by Hortense Miller when she and her husband bought the mid-century modern property built by Knowlton Fernald in 1958. e teacher, author, gardener and artist tended to the land and as it grew, so did her reputation—in 1969 her home was featured on the cover of Sunset magazine.

“Hortense developed hillside garden over decades using unusual plants from around the world,” says Diane Lannon, past president and current volunteer at the Hortense Miller Garden. “Most were planted as one-gallon specimens or

smaller and gave the garden its unique feel over time.”

Lannon explains that Miller created several trails and garden vignettes using trimmed branches and bamboo for fencing. She also repurposed railroad ties, rip-rap from sidewalks and driveways to create retaining walls and “always added texture of boulders or rock to keep the garden interesting.”

In 1973 she donated her home and land to the City of Laguna Beach to share her love of gardening with the community and e Friends of Hortense Miller was formed to maintain the property and o ers tours of the garden to the public. e garden is blooming every month of the year but “the spring is obviously a colorful time with the wisteria, jasmine, honeysuckle and camelia's all in bloom,” Lannon notes.

For more, the Sherman Library & Gardens in Corona del Mar is a horticultural oasis with 100 species of palms from around the world, 130 unique varieties of begonias, an extensive orchid collection and a tea garden. ere are painting and dance classes and weekly activities for kids o ered.

One notable space that’s less ower- lled but equally inspiring is “California Scenario,” by the American artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi. In 1979, developer Henry T. Segerstrom commissioned Noguchi to create a cultural site near South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. e artist drew upon California’s ecosystems to create sculptural elements and plantings and also incorporated indigenous plants and materials. Whether you get lost along the gardens paths or stop by these spaces for events and community engagement, there’s no shortage of inspiration that awaits.

Endless SUMMER

The California coastal city of Huntington Beach has cemented its status as the surf capital of the United States

BY HANNAH MILITANO

The heart of Huntington Beach resides in the ocean—or, rather, its waves. e always-present pods of wetsuit-clad adventurers bob on the water’s surface, waiting to take on the tide, then glide along the breakers and master the way of the waves. California has always been the epicenter of beach culture, but in Surf City USA, it’s more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. In fact, the aquatic pastime is so omnipresent that Huntington Beach claimed rights to the coveted moniker “Surf City USA” after the seaside destination in Ocean County won a 2008 legal battle against Santa Cruz over its use.

Huntington Beach was incorporated in 1909 under the city’s rst mayor, Ed Manning. Its original developer, Huntington Beach Company, was owned and led by its namesake, Henry Huntington. e real-estate developer/railroad magnate was responsible for building Southern California’s iconic Huntington Beach Pier. While sur ng originated in Hawaii, legends and pioneers of the sport have transformed Huntington Beach into both the birthplace and current nucleus of sur ng in SoCal. In 1914, George Freeth

baptized the waves as the rst surfer at the famed Huntington Beach Pier. Widely recognized as the rst surfer in the US, the American lifeguard and swimming instructor was invited by Huntington to celebrate the newly completed 1,350-foot-long concrete pier with an awe-inspiring demonstration of his sur ng prowess.

Freeth, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, and fellow Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku introduced the pastime to the United States. Kahanamoku made his rst visit to sunny Huntington Beach in 1925, sur ng alongside local legends—two of Huntington Beach’s rst lifeguards, Delbert “Bud” Higgins and Gene Belshe. e Olympic gold medalist was inducted into the Sur ng Walk of Fame in 1994, and has a regal bronze bust in his likeness sitting at the center of the Surfers’ Hall of Fame on the corner of Main Street and the Paci c Coast Highway in Downtown Huntington Beach.

What started as a beloved hobby, began to gain in popularity. e HB Pier Club attracted swaths of wave-ready locals in the 1950s when surf shops

World champion surfer Kelly Slater performs a huge floater sequence in overhead surf during the 1996 US Open of Surfing finals at the Huntington Beach Pier.

began cropping up with abandon, from Gordie Duane’s establishment to Jack Hokanson’s Jack’s Surfboards and, eventually, Quicksilver. In 1959, the rst U.S. surf competition, the West Coast Sur ng Championship, took place in Huntington Beach, where contestants wore numbered jerseys and helmets. Judging was based on the di culty of maneuvers performed and the length of the ride.

With smash-hit songs inspired by Huntington Beach, like Jan and Dean’s 1963 chart-topping song “Surf City”, sung and co-written by the Beach Boys, the quintessential beach town was immortalized. at same year, the Golden Bear nightclub opened on Paci c Coast Highway in Downtown Huntington Beach, which predominately played folk music. It was there that musician Dick Dale garnered his reputation as the “King of the Surf Guitar,” entertaining audiences with his distinctive surf rock air.

Films like Gidget and e Endless Summer revolutionized the sport, the latter of which documented the adventures of Huntington Beach High School graduate Robert August and his friend

Michael Hynson as they attempt to track down the perfect wave. Soon enough, America caught the wave, so to speak, and sur ng culture became a coast-to-coast mainstream pop culture fad.

Today, the town remains the base for all things sur ng. It’s home to both the Sur ng Walk of Fame and the Surfer’s Hall of Fame as well as the Huntington Beach International Sur ng Museum. And the surf is still known for its consistent swells, rarely going at and drawing in sur ng stars like Orral W. (Blackie) August, Brett Simpson, Courtney Conlogue, 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater and the legendary 1st World Champion of Sur ng, Peter “P.T.” Townend.

Townend now is dedicating his time to safeguarding the rich history of his beloved pastime. He serves as the project director of the Sur ng Walk of Fame and executive director of the Huntington Beach International Sur ng Museum. He also curates the exhibitions, showcasing an immense catalogue of the greatest surfboards of all time and preserving the city’s local sur ng history and culture. While a retrospective for the 40th anniversary of the OP

It’s all about the pier. Both sides get excellent waves, consistently— that’s one of the main attractions.”

A black-and-white photograph shows surfing legend George Freeth and two other surfers riding a wave in Hawaii, circa 1914.

George Freeth is credited with bringing surfing from Hawaii to the mainland 100 years ago. Freeth was also a lifeguard on the beach as well as the old plunge pool.

Pro sur ng competition is currently on display, one dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, the “godfather of surf culture,” will be showcased just in time for the US Open of Sur ng this August.

One of the largest sur ng competitions in the world, the US Open of Sur ng has had quite the evolution. Beginning with the West Coast Sur ng Championship of 1959, the event grew into the OP Pro in 1982 (which Townend helped start). It’s where priority buoy was used for the rst time in a professional competition and it’s now the standard marker at pro events. e contest became the US Open in 1994. Serving as one of the qualifying rounds for the World Surf League’s Championship Tour, the competition is said to draw in over 750,000 people who view the impressive athletes.

roughout his career, Kahanamoku won ve Olympic medals, three of which were gold, for his unique and powerful style of swimming in Olympic

Games in 1912, 1920 and 1924. “He always wanted his sport of sur ng to be included in the Olympics,” Townend tells GRAZIA: Gazette. In commemoration for the upcoming US Open of Sur ng, Townend has decided to title the exhibit: “Duke’s Dream Came True—Sur ng’s Road to the Olympics.”

Townend was just 23 when he became the rst World Champion of Sur ng in 1976. e Australianborn surfer grew up in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, where, according to Townend, locals “can’t help but end up on the beach.” e world champ got his start in the “very beach-oriented nation” as a part of the Clubbies—the movement where lifeguards would paddle out on surfboards. “During the 1960s, sur ng was beginning to rise and around the same time, I was becoming a teenager and I got my rst surfboard,” Townend recalls. “ at’s how it all began.”

e wave rider decamped to California in 1972 as a teenager on the Australian National Sur ng Team.

American actor Sandra Dee walks on the beach, carrying a sur oard in a still from the film, 'Gidget,' directed by Paul Wendkos, 1959.

Peter 'PT' Townend arrives at Disney's 'A Deeper Shade Of Blue' surfing documentary premiere at AMC Downtown Disney 12 Theater on March 21, 2013 in Anaheim, California.

He was inducted into the Huntington Beach Walk of Fame in 1998, followed by the the Australian Hall of Fame and the International Sur ng Hall of Fame. While the Huntington Beach transplant has called Surf City USA his home for almost 50 years, the waves of Coolangatta still have his heart. “I’m going to be biased and say back home in Australia [has the best waves], even though I haven’t lived there in years,” he admits.

But Townend explains what’s always set Huntington Beach apart from others: “It’s all about the pier,” he says, adding the iconic structure immediately created surf breaks on the North and South side. In 1992, after it received signi cant damage from winter storms, Huntington Beach raised funds to repair the iconic pier, extending the platform 13 feet higher and 20 feet longer than its predecessor. It now reaches 1,856-feet into the Paci c Ocean.

“Both sides of the pier get excellent waves, consistently—that’s one of the main attractions,” the pro shares. “And the fact that we’re a city with a whole 8 miles of beach—there’s not too many cities in California with that luxury.”

ose aren’t the only reasons Huntington Beach is the go-to hotspot. “Part of it is the history around how sur ng developed around the pier,” Townend says. “People can walk out on the pier and watch people sur ng at close range. at makes a huge di erence. You just can’t get that same spectator view on an open beach.”

An Icon, Revisited

PBY SHELBY COMROE

rada is bringing back a piece of the past—infused with elements of the future. The Italian fashion house revisited one of its iconic bag designs of the 2000s, with an updated version, called the Prada Moon. The new style retains some of the most recognizable elements from its first appearance in the Spring/Summer 2002 collection, like the large metal buckle in the center. There are other signatures of the brand, including the metal triangle logo and grommets, while the slightly padded Nappa leather gives it a current, fresh feel. The bag is just as functional as it is fashionable and features top handles, plus a stylish removable keyring to match. The Moon bag is available in four di erent monochrome candy-colored hues in blue, yellow, pink and green. We can’t think of a better way to refresh your spring wardrobe than with a perfect revamp of a classic.

Prada Moon padded nappa-leather bag, $2,950, prada.com

People can walk out on the pier and watch people surfing at close range. That makes a huge difference.”

THE NEW GUARD

As the game of musical chairs continues for creative directors in fashion, consider this your ultimate cheat sheet

BY HANNAH MILITANO & SHELBY COMROE

Harris Reed

British-American designer Harris Reed has been placed at the helm of 90-year-old Parisian fashion house Nina Ricci. The 26-year-old wunderkind is the youngest creative director for the brand and made his runway debut during the Fall/Winter 2023 season at Paris Fashion Week in March.

NEW FOR FALL S

Daniel Lee

During London Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2023, all eyes were on Burberry as the brand’s new chief creative o cer Daniel Lee, who showed his first collection after Riccardo Tisci’s departure. He presented an ode to quintessentially British style, with eye-catching cold-weather garments and gear, from feathers and faux fur, to knit canteens, earmu s and exaggerated trapper hats. He also used the iconic checks and plaid patterns Burberry is known for in bright colorways. Previously, Lee reenergized Bottega Veneta during his helm at the brand from 2018 to 2021.

Ludovic de Saint Sernin

Known for his sensual, genderless garments, Belgian designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin showcased his first collection for Ann Demeulemeester during Paris Fashion Week in March. Pulling from the brand’s extensive archives for inspiration, Sernin looked back on the trademark tenants of the house to bring it into the future.

toried fashion brands are ushering in a new era, with nascent talent at the helm thanks to the next generation of designers. A fresh wave of creative forces are stepping into the spotlight, steering the ship and reenergizing heritage labels, with many incorporating their personal creative perspective while maintaining core design codes. e Spring/Summer 2023 season was designer Maximilian Davis’ rst for Ferragamo, while Marco de Vincenzo stepped up to the plate for Etro, Rhuigi Villaseñor took the lead at Bally and Ib Kamara followed Virgil Abloh at O -White.

Davis presented his debut collection for the iconic Florentine fashion house Ferragamo during Milan Fashion Week in September 2022. e 27-year-old boy wonder’s rst designs were shown just six months after the announcement of his appointment as creative director. He put his eponymous label that he launched with Londonbased incubator program Fashion East on hold. For Ferragamo, Davis implemented a color palette inspired by his Trinidadian roots. e British designer introduced contemporary silhouettes and developed new heat-reactive fabric that mimicked artist Rachel Harrison’s Sunset Series. Davis uses literature and music as a form of research when it comes to his designs, a technique he learned from former boss, Grace Wales Bonner.

Etro appointed designer de Vincenzo as its new creative director for women’s, men’s and home collections at the end of May 2022. With his debut collection de Vincenzo aimed to change the current perception of the brand. e designer stressed that “nobody will use hippie chic or bohemian to describe my rst collection” and he emphasized “Etro is thought of as a print brand, but that is wrong,” “Etro is a textiles brand.” His rst presentation for the Italian luxury fashion house was unveiled during Milan Fashion Week with the womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 assortment, where Vincenzo imbued a whimsical element throughout jacquard fabrications, resplendent ombré hues, lace confections and statement-making separates.

One of the buzziest new appointments, founder of L.A.-based luxury streetwear label Rhude, Villaseñor showed his rst designs for the 171-year-old Swiss heritage fashion house Bally with the Spring/ Summer 2023 collection last year. As Bally’s rst creative director in ve years, the Filipino designer brought a renewed opulence to the brand with sexy suiting, denim staples and slinky slips. e California-cool designer got people talking about Bally. It-girls walked the runway and the front row was lled with famous faces. Villaseñor’s

gave Bally a new life with his fresh and exciting vision.

Kamara debuted his rst collection since being named art and image director of O -White in September 2022. Kamara frequently collaborated with founding designer, the late Virgil Abloh, making him the perfect person to continue the brand’s message and carry on Abloh’s immeasurable legacy. e show entitled, “CELEBRATION” boasted a maximalist aesthetic, with a vibrant cobalt blue sprinkled throughout inventive fabrications and unexpected silhouettes.

After Abloh’s death in November 2021, it also left his position as creative director of menswear at Louis Vuitton open to ll. In February, parent company LVMH announced that record producer, musician, entrepreneur and fashion icon Pharrell Williams would be stepping into the role. Williams’s debut collection will take place next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

Speaking of new appointments, Gucci surprised the industry in November, when it announced creative director Alessandro Michele would exit the brand after instating an epochal creative shift. is announcement caused a stir, Michele’s Gucci was wildly successful in pioneering the maximalism trend seen over the past few years. In January, Gucci’s parent company Kering revealed that designer Sabato de Sarno would take over the role and will make his runway debut with the Spring/ Summer 2024 during Milan Fashion Week in September of this year. All eyes will be on de Sarno to see what direction he takes the iconic house.

ere’s even more to keep an eye on after British designer Louise Trotter was named creative director at the French heritage house Carven in February, less than two months after exiting Lacoste after her four-year tenure. Her rst collection will be during the Spring/Summer 2024 season at Paris Fashion Week in September.

With so many changes to keep up with at beloved fashion brands, it’s never been a more thrilling time to see where the industry heads next. It is so important to implement change from the top down at these heritage fashion houses. Young talent like Maximilan Davis have so much to o er with their fresh perspective and new ideas. Going against the norm has proven to be successful, take Rhugi Villaseñor at Bally for example. An LA based streetwear designer was able to breathe new life into a 171-year-old fashion house creating new buzz and revival for the brand. Or Marco de Vincenzo at Etro, for the rst time in history, Etro is no longer a family business. De Vincenzo brought a new vision to the storied house without losing the iconic elements that are so true to Etro. Change is good, change is necessary, and change is what’s going to keep this industry inspiring and exciting.

COMING SOON

Sabato de Sarno

After Gucci parted ways with creative director Alessandro Michele, it was announced that designer Sabato de Sarno will fill the role. He was previously the Fashion Director at Valentino after stints at Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. His first designs for Gucci will show during Milan Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2024

Louise Trotter

Less than two months after exiting Lacoste after her four-year tenure, the British designer was named creative director at French heritage house Carven in February. Her first collection will be presented during the Spring/Summer 2024 season at Paris Fashion Week.

Pharrell William

In February, it was announced that music mogul and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams would be taking over as Louis Vuitton’s creative director of menswear following Virgil Abloh. Williams’s debut collection will take place next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.

DYLAN HOWARD CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & PUBLISHER

MARIA ELIASON EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

ILARIA SVITIC CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER

KOKO DRECHSLER SALES DIRECTOR, BEAUTY PRIYA NAT SALES DIRECTOR, HOME & LUXURY

CAMILLA JONES VICE PRESIDENT, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

RICHARD VALLEJOS OPERATIONS MANAGER

GUGLIELMO BAVA MANAGING DIRECTOR

JOSEPHINE HANGA PARTNERSHIP MANAGER

1. Rouge Hermès Shiny Lipstick in Corail Parasol, $78, hermes.com

2. CHANEL Le Lift Pro Accessoire de Massage, $82, chanel.com

3. Van Cleef & Arpels Perlee Watch featuring Mother-of-Pearl Guilloché set in 18K Rose Gold, price upon request, available at Van Cleef & Arpels, South Coast Plaza and vancleefarpels.com

4. Dolce & Gabbana Silk Twill Cushion, $995, us.dolcegabbana.com

5. Marni X Carhartt WIP Bucket Hat, $220, marni.com

6. CLOSED A Better Blue Nikka Denim, $380, closed.com

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