Trunk Show
Gray Malin X Orlebar Brown in Montecito
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photographs by Meg Sandu
Montecito Country Mart was ground zero for welcoming Spring, as Santa Barbara Magazine editorial director Jennifer Smith co-hosted a special collaboration between British menswear brand Orlebar Brown and fine art photographer Gray Malin featuring the luxury retailer's signature Bulldog swim shorts emblazoned with Malin's iconic photographs of three jet set locales: the Côte d'Azur, East Hampton, and Montecito's own Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club.
A seaside vibe pervaded the Mart's courtyard as guests were offered a Summer Breeze Spritz designed by T.W. Hollister & Co. and seasonal appetizers by Alma Fina Fonda. A colorful swim cart displayed the collab shorts collection alongside linen and terrycloth shirts, a chic capsule of must-have items for Santa Barbara's most fashionable men. "Orlebar Brown was the first company I ever collaborated with," says Malin, "and this partnership opened my eyes to how photography can transcend beyond just walls and into something people can wear." It's the second time Malin has collaborated with Orlebar Brown, and happily coincides with the photographer's 15th year in business (graymalin.com).
“Orlebar Brown was the first company I ever collaborated with, and this partnership opened my eyes to how photography can transcend beyond just walls and into something people can wear.”
The festive crowd included Trevor Hardy, Orlebar Brown's Chief Marketing Officer, Santa Barbara Magazine cover star actress Jordana Brewster, design duo Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, photographer Matt Albiani, fashion designer Tracy Robbins, and philanthropist Sheraton Kalouria. Guests departed with fresh bouquets of springtime lilies enveloped in a wrapping paper version of Malin's image of the Coral Casino.
Owned by luxury powerhouse Chanel, Orlebar Brown has an international reach with more than 40 direct stores and 250 locations worldwide including London, Paris, New York, Miami, East Hampton, St. Barths, the Côte d'Azur, and the Montecito Country Mart. Renowned for its tailored swimwear, the brand is a celeb favorite. 1016 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-869-2039; orlebarbrown.com
