WHAT THEY SAID THEN

When Fashion Island opened in September 1967, it was hailed as both a landmark shopping center and an important step in the development of Newport Beach. Here’s what people wrote about it at the time:

“Fashion Island is big. Here’s how big:

Only St. Louis and Chicago have super-regional shopping developments of comparable nature, according to statistics of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Fashion Island, owned and operated by the Irvine Company, has been completed at a cost of $20 million and is only the first increment of Newport Center, a development which will eventually surround the complex encompassing an area of 522 acres.”

“It will provide for the community a focal point of activity which has not existed in recent years; bring to the community national recognition and publicity as it is covered in professional publications and other news media; expose the city of Newport Beach to millions of visitors who might not normally visit the community.”

— Newport Beach Mayor Paul J. Gruber, in a message printed in the Daily Pilot

“Because of its architectural beauty, the Irvine Company expects Fashion Island to become a major sightseeing attraction, rivaling Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Ghost Town, Anaheim Stadium, Marineland, Sea World, and other Southern California tourist spots.”

“While there have been some differences of opinion and a few brief skirmishes ... the entire project has been extremely well-planned and executed, and coupled with enough flexibility to cope with the normal frustrations imposed by municipal control.

I feel that the entire Irvine Company organization, from yourself on down, should be highly commended not only for its vision, but for the outstanding cooperation given to the city during the entire project.”

“Some of the most illustrious representatives of Southern California society, business and politics were seen sipping and supping in the surging crowds gaily inspecting the 56 stores and shops that comprise Fashion Island. A dozen portable cocktail bars, and countless carts bulging with Hors d’oeuvres (200,000 in all, they say — and I believe it!) helped turn the pilgrimage into a big, wonderful five-hour New Years eve party.”

— Margaret Thompson, in Orange County Illustrated magazine, October 1967