Special guests gathered at South Coast Plaza to admire the label’s latest accessories line
Words by MARIE LOOK
Versace welcomed friends to its South Coast Plaza store on Thursday, Nov. 14, for an exquisite luncheon in celebration of the brand’s freshly debuted Virtus handbag line. Hosted in collaboration with stylist Lauren Jones, designer Suzan Lee Paek and Cambridge Companies SPG vice president Polina Chebotareva, the exclusive event began with an in-store cocktail reception, during which guests could admire the new styles.
Encompassing totes, shoulder bags, evening bags and more, the Virtus collection (named for the Roman god of valor, whose traits of courage, strength and excellence Versace wished to infuse into the new designs) debuted on the Fall/Winter 2019 runway. Each look features high-quality leathers and a central gold-tone metal Barocco letter V embellished by the acanthus leaves from Versace’s signature motif.
Following time spent mingling, the group migrated to Knife Pleat — also located in South Coast Plaza — to enjoy a four-course alfresco meal by Michelin-starred chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi, whose Costa Mesa restaurant is beloved in Orange County for its elegant yet approachable French cuisine.
In between bites of Russian caviar, salad Monegasque, forest mushroom risotto and other delectable dishes served on intricately decorated plates by Versace, guests discussed the new Virtus collection as well as the Second Harvest Food Bank, toward which some of the event’s proceeds were contributed.
Feature image: VERSACE Virtus handbags at the brand’s store at SOUTH COAST PLAZA. All photos by Kate Jones.
Nov. 18, 2019
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