Sun Day Red opens San Clemente flagship; Schiaparelli set for South Coast Plaza debut

Local retail activity in Orange County shifted on Monday as two distinct brands made moves in the fashion sector. Tiger Woods' golf apparel line opened its first physical location in San Clemente, while the Parisian house Schiaparelli confirmed plans for a December arrival at South Coast Plaza.

Sun Day Red, a brand co-created by Woods and TaylorMade Golf, began operations at 197 Avenida La Pata. The store occupies the former headquarters of Stance, a company that previously occupied the building. The label is two years old and focuses on clothing and accessories designed in the region. A company news release stated the space was built to serve the golfers and fans who support the brand. The interior features dark blue walls, leather seating, and racks holding shoes and hats under the new label.

Brad Blankinship, president of Sun Day Red, said the location reflects the brand's origins. "Orange County is where Sun Day Red started, and it's where we belong," Blankinship said. He noted the desire to be near the apparel talent in South Orange County and the golf talent in Carlsbad. The store operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The name references Woods' habit of wearing red shirts on Sunday tournament days. Woods, who was born in Cypress, began playing full rounds at age 2. He won the Masters in 1997, one of the four major professional tournaments in the nation.

Across the county, Schiaparelli is preparing to open its first standalone U.S. boutique at South Coast Plaza in December. The store will occupy Level 2 in the Nordstrom Wing. The Parisian house was founded in 1927 by Elsa Schiaparelli, who worked with artist Salvador Dali to create surrealist designs. The brand is now under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry. The boutique will sell ready-to-wear apparel, leather goods, jewelry, and accessories. The ready-to-wear line includes knits, pants, tops, and dresses.

Schiaparelli is recognized for its avant-garde Face Bag, which features three-dimensional eyes, lips, and a nose. Prices for the handbag start around $6,500. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande have worn the brand's gowns to events including the Oscars and the Met Gala. Gaga wore a custom black and red dress to President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration, where she performed the national anthem. Elsa Schiaparelli died in 1973, and Dali died in 1989.

Other local retail changes include the closure of a Big 5 store at Rancho Santa Margarita Town Center. The 9,000-square-foot location sits next to an Ulta Beauty store within a shopping center anchored by Target. Social media posts showed closing banners on the storefront. Shoppers reported markdown sales, though the company did not provide a specific closing date. Big 5 was taken private last year after being acquired by Worldwide Golf and Capitol Hill Group.

Leadership changes also occurred in the local arts and business sectors. Jessa Mendoza became the new executive director of South Coast Conservatory, succeeding Jena Minnick-Bull. Mendoza has worked at the conservatory for a decade and holds a bachelor's degree in fine arts. The organization has 1,000 enrolled students across 13 studios at two Orange County locations. Neera Clase became the chief commercial officer at Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Irvine, effective Nov. 1. She had served as interim chief commercial officer since July 2026. Amy Wong joined Venable LLP as a partner in its Commercial Litigation practice in Irvine. She previously worked as a litigation partner at K&L Gates.

Orange County United Way elected 10 new board members for three-year terms and four officers for two-year terms on Monday. Lawrence R. Armstrong of Ware Malcomb was elected chairman. Goodwill of Orange County raised $170,000 at its annual fundraising event, The Good Lunch 2026, held on Oct. 15 at Newport Beach Country Club. The funds will support workforce development programs for young adults in the county.