Fashion Island Update

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For the latest on the renovation of Newport Beach mall "shopping and dining destination" Fashion Island,click over to local blog LA Story, which has conducted a 20-minute podcast interview with VP of leasing Jeff Dodd. Nestled amidst all the talk of courtyard improvements and visitor numbers, there are a few interesting news tidbits, mostly surrounding the impending arrival of gourmet food shop Dean & DeLuca. Due to open next year, the 25,000-square-foot (!!) foot store will be the brand's first flagship since 1993, and will also mark the first time all of its offerings have been brought together in one place (from wine bar to bakery to coffee shop and cafe). Also worth noting are the four new stores that are set to debut at Fashion Island this fall— Michael Stars, True Religion, Y-3, and Seven for all Mankind—all of which will be the brands' first boutiques in Orange County. Dodd also seems to be quite proud of a "water wall" that's just been erected (pictured at right)—fancy! [LA Story]