'Angel' helps reopen Victoria's Secret

COSTA MESA — Newport Harbor High School students Samantha Small and Olivia Taddeo have always dreamed of meeting an "Angel."

The two fans got their chance Tuesday at the official debut of South Coast Plaza's remolded Victoria's Secret, which featured an appearance by Angel model Miranda Kerr.

"We have watched the fashion show every year and even dreamed of being in the show one day," said Samantha, 17. "Everything they make is so beautiful."

As much as the two admire all the models, they agreed that Kerr is their favorite.

"It's just the way she carries herself," said Olivia, 16. "She doesn't put herself all the way out there, and she's so honest."

In all, nearly 400 shoppers were able to meet and take a photo with one of the world's best-known models.

Kerr stood next to the $2.5-million Fantasy Treasure bra, comprised of pearls and 142 carats of diamonds, which she had modeled in the annual "Victoria's Secret Fashion Show" on Nov. 9 in New York.

The show premieres Tuesday night on CBS.

The Victoria Secret's location was made over in time for the holiday season. The 13,800-square-foot store reopened Nov. 17 and welcomed shoppers inside at 4 a.m. for Black Friday deals. It was previously 9,244 square feet.

The store features a new look with a dark, dramatic entrance, bright interior colors, oversized custom chandeliers and classical furnishings adorned with the signature Victoria's Secret pink stripe.

The store also features a bra salon, panty boutique and beauty bar.

"The Victoria's Secret stores are so special, really, like a wonderland for women," Kerr said. "Women everywhere around the world appreciate what Victoria's Secret has to offer."

South Coast Plaza's second Victoria's Secret location at the Crystal Court off Bear Street remained open during the main store's remodel in the beginning of the month.

sarah.peters@latimes.com

Twitter: @speters01