The Cool Sea Air of Santa Monica Place

Since it’s been so hot here lately (though our summer has been relatively mild compared to the intense muggy heat I could be experiencing in New York), I headed to the cooler sea air of Santa Monica to check out the new Santa Monica Place. Converted from a hulking cement building into a circular open-air mall, the new complex feels much more in tune with the openness of the Third Street Promenade. The dining deck, located on the third level, affords hungry shoppers beautiful views of the ocean.


Nearing the end of its run, I was able to catch The Mannequin Collective during my visit. The Mannequin Collective is a community arts program where one hundred artists, designers, fashion industry leaders, and community members turned mannequins into art. The end result will be a $10,000 scholarship donated to Otis College of Art and Design in the winning designer’s name. I particularly liked Cecilio Ramirez’s mannequin for BCBGMAXAZRIA, called Mme. Quinn, which wore an off-the-shoulder gown made of butterflies. The butterflies represented the transformative power of fashion. I love a good metaphor, and the butterflies were a simple yet meaningful statement. I also loved the classic, feminine lines of the dress.


Marie Tattooinette by Edd McNaboe for Ed Hardy also caught my eye. A representation of Marie Antoinette with an Ed Hardy twist, the contrast between the tattoos and the mannequin’s hoop skirt and white stockings was fun. It made material the modern rock ethos of Sofia Coppola’s 2006 Marie Antoinette.

Officially opened to the public on August 6, Santa Monica Place is still waiting on a few additions. Nordstrom is set to open Friday at 10 am, with a pre-opening beauty bash from 8 am to 10 am. The Market, which will sell artisanal, organic, and gourmet food, will be located on the dining deck and won’t open until early 2011.