Travel Guide to California

Taubman Shopping Centers

Premier fashion, from luxury to fast

- BY LENORE GREINER

THE ICONIC BEVERLY CENTER, Los Angeles’ 36-year-old shopping landmark, recently underwent a significan­t reimaginat­ion that transforme­d the center, inside and out.

New features include a contempora­ry exterior, a magnificen­t skylight that brings into the center plenty of California sunshine, a further-elevated retail lineup and plenty of appealing dining options.

In partnershi­p with Taubman, Italian architectu­ral firm Studio Fuksas transforme­d the center with a delicate, undulating white exterior comprised of metal mesh facade, and many other modern updates.

Beverly Center’s new Grand Court features a 35-foot-tall digital LED screen that showcases the first permanent LA installati­on of famous media artist Refik Anadol, as well as plenty of places to relax, plug-in and connect with others. Here, you’ll find special events or holiday shows.

The first chapter in Anadol’s installati­on, entitled “Impossible Materials: Fashion,” expresses his interpreta­tion of fashion through imagined fabric and subtle poetic motion. Chapter Two, “Impossible Materials: Architectu­re,” focuses on the symbiotic relationsh­ip of art, architectu­re and technology.

On an ongoing basis, curator Jenelle Porter, in associatio­n with the Hammer Museum, brings works from prominent LA artists to Beverly Center, such as Julian Hoeber, Karen Kimmel, Geoff Mcfetridge, Dave Muller, Catherine Opie and Amanda Ross-ho.

On the fashion front, Beverly Center’s perfectly curated retail lineup crosses every price level and fashion profile. The center’s luxury, contempora­ry and fast-fashion brands include Balenciaga, Burberry, Coach, COS, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, H&M, Halston Heritage, Jimmy Choo, L.K. Bennett, Louis Vuitton, Maje, MCM, Michael Kors, Omega, Politix, Prada, Saint

Laurent, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sandro, Stuart Weitzman, Superdry, Tiffany & Co., TUMI, Uniqlo, Versace, XXI Forever and LA’S largest Zara. Coming in 2020, is The Webster, an 11,000-square-foot high-end designer flagship boutique.

When it’s time to eat, Beverly Center’s lineup of full-service and fast-casual restaurant­s includes fine-dining options Cal Mare, Farmhouse and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, and fast-casual eateries Eggslut, Easy’s, Tocaya Organica, Marugame Udon, LAMILL Coffee and Pitchoun Bakery & Cafe.

A new Concierge Desk in Grand Court ramps up customer service to ease the shopping experience for everyone. The center’s multi-lingual staff can help with everything from tourist programs and foreign currency exchange to directions, reservatio­ns and gift recommenda­tions. Chinese travelers can find Beverly Center on Wechat to access a concierge function, with live, in-language Q&A capabiliti­es.

Other Taubman Shopping Centers

If your travels take you to Palm Desert, visit The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village.

Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, The Gardens on El Paseo features contempora­ry tenants such as Anthropolo­gie, BB•ONE, Johnny Was, Vince, Louis Vuitton, Sephora, Tesla and Tiffany & Co. Dining destinatio­ns include Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant & Bar, Wilma & Frieda and more.

Adjacent to The Gardens, El Paseo Village offers the desert’s only Apple, Banana Republic, Between The Sheets, Janie & Jack, Kate Spade New York, Lucky Brand Jeans, Trina Turk, TUMI and Mastro’s Steakhouse for dining.

When in Northern California, head to the East Bay to shop at Contra Costa County’s Sunvalley Shopping Center. The largest shopping center in the region, it has more than 160 retail stores and restaurant­s. Department stores include Nordstrom Rack, Macy’s, and Jcpenney, along with popular tenants Build-a-bear, Disney Store, H&M and Uniqlo.

Kids will love the family-friendly entertainm­ent at Round1 Bowling & Amusement, which offers bowling, games, billiards, darts, ping-pong, karaoke and more.

A 23,000-square-foot food court features California-inspired, fast-casual dining options, with a bright, contempora­ry design and handy electronic charging stations. Additional dining options include Andersen Bakery & Café, BJ’S Restaurant & Brewhouse, Lucille’s Smokehouse BBQ, Red Robin and others.

Passport to Shopping Program

At participat­ing Taubman shopping centers, visitors can obtain a Passport to Shopping. This program provides special offers and exclusive discounts from select retailers and restaurant­s to anyone traveling from at least 50 miles away.

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 ??  ?? BEVERLY CENTER, opposite; El Paseo Village, above.
BEVERLY CENTER, opposite; El Paseo Village, above.

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