The preview party also was attended by Quentin Shih, whose photography of Christian Dior fashion models is now on view in South Coast Plaza’s Jewel Court.
“The Christian Dior exhibit with Quentin Shih is the centerpiece of our programming at South Coast Plaza,” Downing said. “That part is significant in that Christian Dior first commissioned this art in China about a year ago. The exhibit in Beijing was huge. We felt Quentin’s work was the most compelling of all the artists, because it integrated the fashion so closely with the artwork. They’re very provocative, in a way. You’ve got this very beautiful couture fashion model integrated into very Chinese landscapes. This is the first time the show has been exhibited outside of China.”
Many of the shopping destination’s retailers are planning in-store events to commemorate the festival, which is being put on by Carnegie Hall and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.
“I think the festival is about celebrating Chinese culture, and bringing something unique and special to Southern Cal,” Downing said. “South Coast Plaza’s programming for the festival is completely integrated with the Philharmonic program.”
“Working with South Coast Plaza has been a dream,” said Dean Corey, who leads the Philharmonic. “Debra Gunn Downing has just been amazing. This is the most intensely, I think, we’ve ever worked with them. South Coast Plaza has been very active in marketing this festival. They’ve been a wonderful working partner. In this tough economic time, it’s surprising that something like this would come together.”
