South Coast Plaza celebrated the Lunar New Year in true fashion with world-class entertainment in a festive theatre created in the Plaza’s Jewel Court especially for the event. Festooned in shimmering gold coins suspended from the luminescent stained glass ceiling the scene was set for a memorable welcome for the Year of the Dog.
Cute puppies and golden dogs abound as luxury designer boutiques beckon to shoppers with colorful cute and quirky window displays welcoming the Lunar New Year in English and Chinese characters. Dolce & Gabbana caught my eye with their adorable dog-centric clothing and accessories as I meandered along the marble maze of haute couture from the Jewel Court.
Dolce & Gabbana Year of the Dog collection.
Tod’s Year of the Dog window display.
Returning to the Jewel Court to marvel at the lush floral display depicting eight Akita-type dogs and a moon gate amidst a profusion of gold coins and ingots symbolizing good fortune, I snapped my pics and mingled with other media attendees before the rush of people. Being the year of “man’s best friend” lends a unique cuteness factor and familiarity that isn’t always found in the other lunar animals — say, for instance, the Year of the Rat.
The display was designed by South Coast Plaza and built by Fiesta Parade Floats, the leading float builder for the Tournament of Roses Parade.
In fact, cute puppies ruled the evening. The event opened with four beautiful, crimson-clad Chinese models floating into the crowd, each holding a different breed of adorable pup, their graceful entrance greeted with a round of high-pitched “awww”s.
Guests went from station to station, nibbling on popular Chinese foods from South Coast restaurants, dumplings from Din Tai Fung, noodles from House of An, as well as egg rolls, lettuce wraps, bao (meat-filled buns), and garlic eggplant with rice. For libations, there was a lovely crimson-colored cocktail, Buddha beer, wine, sparkling water, tea, and champagne (in the VIP area), with a gelato selection for a sweet ending.
An introduction of honored guests by South Coast Plaza officials preceded the evening’s entertainment which featured outstanding performances by the renowned Hunan Provincial Song and Dance Theatre. Traditional dance and music was followed by a rousing Lion Dance.
South Coast Plaza invites you to celebrate the Lunar New Year and experience the exciting family-friendly cultural events, unique exhibits, and the one-of-a-kind spectacular Year of the Dog centerpiece in Jewel Court.
The Prada Spirit pop-up is now open next to the Prada boutique on level 2 in Jewel Court. Exclusive in the U.S. to South Coast Plaza and just in time for Lunar New Year, Prada Spirit celebrates the Year of the Dog with a special collection of bags and accessories. Prada also has installed a complimentary selfie camera so you can snap a photo in front of the pop-up. Catch all of it before it’s gone because Prada Spirit will be at South Coast Plaza only through Feb. 18.
South Coast Plaza | 3333 Bristol Street Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 1.800.782.8888 [email protected]
For more ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Orange County visit Travel Costa Mesa’s website.
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