“Anything That Sparkles” and Other Great Holiday Gift Ideas: Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California Announces Its First Annual List of the Top 10 Hottest Trends in Fashion for the New Year

Newport Beach, California, December 21, 2006 – Black is back. Thin is in. And to be hip for the holidays, you absolutely must sparkle, according to the first annual Fashion Island (http://www.shopfashionisland.com/) “Hot 10 Fashions for the New Year.”

“What do I wear to the New Year’s Eve extravaganza and all the other events and parties that will follow?” asks Laura Davis, the center’s marketing director. “Which designer, color are the hottest trends in fashion right now? The pressure is on and everybody feels it.”

Whether you’re looking to update your own wardrobe or you’re searching for great holiday gift ideas, Fashion Island Shopping Center has everything that’s in this season. “We study the hottest trends in fashion from New York to Los Angeles to right here at home in Newport Beach, California to ensure Fashion Island remains the hippest place in Southern California to shop and dine,” says Stephanie Rosanelli, the center’s leasing director. “We thought we’d share what we’ve learned. Enjoy!” Visit the following link to view the video interview discussing this year’s hottest trends and fashions, filmed at Fashion Island in Newport Beach: http://marketing.irvinecompany.com/corporate/press_releases/mmedia/FI_topten/fi_top10_flash.html.

1. Diamonds, metallic handbags and anything else that sparkles.
“Lisli’s Tiffany sequin-covered blazer from Bloomingdale’s, Stuart Weitzman’s evening sandal adorned with Swarovski crystals at Garys Per Donna, and the steel and diamond white gold bracelet at Charriol are three shining examples of how you can shimmer through the season,” Davis declares.

Adds Rosanelli: “I recommend the Harry Winston Premier Chronograph in 18 carat white gold with diamond bezel, Charriol’s stainless steel and Charriol’s white gold and diamond charm necklace.” For the men, go big and bold. The large Panerai watch from Traditional Jewelers is a fabulous accessory and one of many great holiday gift ideas that sparkle.

2. Ultra high heels. Rosanelli recommends black satin Pedro Garcia four-inch sling black heels. Add glistening rhinestones on top your toes for a gorgeous look, she says.

3. Big Boots, little booties. Shoes, shoes, more shoes! “Christian Louboutin’s exquisite suede booties at Neiman’s are fabulous and so are Cole Haan comfy booties at Bloomingdale’s,” Davis says. For the men: John Varvatos classic leather boots at Gary’s are among the hottest trends in fashion for men.

4. Hot, hot, hot workout clothes. “Go for a black low-rise pant with the top and jacket to match. Lots of great fitting choices at lululemon,” suggests Rosanelli. “Very slimming. Almost elegant. And a hit with the male audience.”

5. Skinny pants in dark washes. The clean lines look fabulous under big sweaters, coats and jackets with volume making them one of the hottest trends in fashion. “Try Paige Premium Denim at American Rag and Bloomingdale’s,” Davis says. Adds Rosanelli: You can’t go wrong in dark denim this season.

6. Make a statement. Literally. Rosanelli suggests tongue-in-cheek Juicy Couture boy shorts, with slogans such as “Santa Baby, I Want Juicy,” “Flake,” “Juicy Drama Queen,” and “Not on a School Night.” Pick out a fun pair or two; they’re great holiday gift ideas.

7. Bigger is better. Large and oversize handbags are all the rage when it comes to the hottest trends in fashion handbags. Make it fun with an Yves St. Laurent black patent leather Muse handbag at Neiman Marcus at Fashion Island Shopping Center. “It’s big enough for everything, plus paperwork and a luxurious scarf,” Rosanelli says.

8. Black is anything but basic. Cocktail dresses. Leather bags. Even denim. Go for a Chloe empire waist sleeveless top and black Chloe pants to match at Neiman Marcus. Or a Diane von Furstenberg wide belt around a black wool jersey dress at Bloomingdale’s. Also, you can’t miss with supple black leather gloves with coordinating cameo bracelet at Juicy Couture. For the men, Rosanelli suggests a black Original Penguin polo shirt (think Seth on The OC or Brad Pitt) matched with a pair of dark denim Original Penguin jeans.

9. Paint the town red. Black may be classic, but red is far from dead. How about a red jersey gown from BCBG? Or a head-to-toe gown from Valentino, Gucci or Donna Karan. Find them at Neiman Marcus, Davis says.

10. Pamper your pooch: Your puppy had better be as primped you are. Bring the bling to Buffy at Muttropolis Dog & Cat Boutique with the faux crocodile collar with crystal details. Juicy offers Silverstone dog tags, t-shirts and whipstitch leather dog collars. All great holiday gift ideas for the animal lover in your life.

Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California is the must-stop place for fashion-conscious shoppers looking for the hottest trends in fashion. Shop great holiday gift ideas from style heavyweights like the only Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s at any Southern California malls in Orange County, as well as fresh, up-and-coming trends setters like American Rag Cie, G-Star, Lola Rouge Kids and coming soon: Chip & Pepper. For more examples of the Holiday Top 10 fashions and other details, visit (http://marketing.irvinecompany.com/corporate/press_releases/mmedia/FI_topten/FI_top10_pr_dec06.html).

About Fashion Island
Owned by The Irvine Company, Fashion Island located in Newport Beach, California, is Southern California’s premier open-air retail center, offering an experience unique among Southern California malls for shopping, dining and entertainment. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean village, Fashion Island Shopping Center has more than 200 specialty shops, prestigious department stores, a wide variety of restaurants, a seven-screen movie theater and signature events throughout the year. For more information, visit http://www.shopfashionisland.com/.