This L.A. Shopping Destination Is the Mall of the Future
If you think malls are a thing of the past, Los Angeles' Westfield Century City is about to take you away from your computer and get you shopping IRL.
The destination, located approximately 30 minutes from Hollywood, just completed a $1 billion transformation of what was already a high-end space.
After we took an exclusive tour of the newly renovated, 1.3 million sq. ft. location shortly before its grand opening—which kicked off with performances by DNCE and Fitz and the Tantrums on Tuesday night—we realized that fancy schmancy stores or not, this so-called "mall" is in a league of its own.
Keep reading for all the reasons why you will love L.A.'s new hotspot.
Specialty Shops and Restaurants
We already gave you a tour inside Compartés' one-of-a-kind chocolate heaven, but among the remaining 200 stores and eateries are additional rarities, including legendary Randy's Donuts and Shake Shack—and most importantly, East Coast-famous Eataly, a dining destination that includes communal seating, fresh food counters, cafés, markets and events focused on Italian recipes and cooking techniques. In addition, you still have a slew of your tried and true shops, including Lululemon Athletica, H&M, Zara, Lush, Free People, Sephora and Old Navy. Oh, and we can't forget our trusty AMC Century 15 movie theater.
(Photo Courtesy of Compartés)
Equinox
Because this mall boasts all the finer things, it only makes sense it would also include one of the chicest gyms in town. Forget about just the renown workout classes and luxurious spa—if you need your clothing cleaned while you work up a sweat, someone from the facility will take care of it for you!
Celebrity Clientele (With Very V.I.P. Perks)
Not only does the Westfield Century City attract celebs based on its impressive selection of shops and dining options, but it also just so happens to be located next door to Avenue of the Stars, a prime office destination for agents, managers and publicists—aka the keys to the rich and famous. So when these high-profile professionals need to take a meeting with their clients, guess where they go…
And as with so many other places in the City of Angels, arriving as a celeb doesn't come without its privileges. For the star who wants to go unnoticed, there's a private elevator option, in addition to the ability to book shopping appointments once the mall closes. Stylists and designers also have access to private fitting rooms.
Custom Interior Design
The distinct mid-century modern decor of Westfield Century City is customized by L.A.-based design guru Kelly Wearstler, who has previously conceptualized properties for Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz.
The Nordstrom That Has It All
Just when you thought your downtown Nordys was the place worth driving an hour to, wait 'til you get a load of of this one that just launched.
The exclusive "Nordstrom x Nike" sneaker boutique, a women's-only lifestyle concept, which blurs the lines of fitness and fashion, is just one of the many special features of this department store. It's also home to the first West Coast MAC Makeup Studio dedicated to applications and lessons by licensed professionals. And if you have prom, graduation or any other event that requires looking your absolute best, you can pop into Style Bar, a drop-in area to meet with complimentary personal stylists.
To reflect real bodies, this is the one place where you'll find mannequins of all shapes and sizes—not just the standard size 2. And on those mannequins, you'll have access to on-trend brands and designers, from varying price points, that aren't traditionally found in every Nordstrom (J. Crew, Madewell, Topshop, Good American, Rag & Bone, Alice + Olivia, CO, Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler, to name a handful).
And as an added L.A. touch, cute little signs with some of the city's trendiest towns (Beverly Hills, West Hollywood and Venice) are placed throughout the store.
A Live Performance Stage
The Atrium—the mall's outdoor event space that can hold 1,000 people—made its debut on Tuesday night when DNCE and Fitz and the Tantrums took center stage. These performances are just a hint of much more to come.
As you gear up for your visit to the mall's grandiose food court, click HERE to let Food Fortunes tarot cards determine what you should order.