Overview:
Presence News attended Spotlight with Sharona, a new community-focused initiative led by Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian in partnership with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce. The walking tour invited the public to engage directly with business leaders along Rodeo Drive, highlighting design, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving role of experiential retail in Beverly Hills.
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — On Thursday afternoon, Presence News joined community members, business leaders, and visitors on Rodeo Drive for “Spotlight with Sharona,” a new walking-tour initiative led by Sharona Nazarian in partnership with the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., the free, public event invited attendees to experience Beverly Hills through the stories of the businesses that define it — not just as luxury storefronts, but as creative, entrepreneurial institutions that chose to call the city home.
The format was simple and effective: start at any participating location, meet the people behind the brands, and hear directly why Beverly Hills remains a global destination for design, craftsmanship, and innovation.
First Stop: Porsche Design
The first stop on the tour brought attendees inside Porsche Design, where speakers discussed the scope of the brand far beyond automobiles. Guests learned how Porsche Design applies its philosophy across watches, footwear, luggage, architecture, and even building design — reinforcing the idea that Rodeo Drive is as much about industrial creativity as it is about fashion.
The discussion highlighted how design thinking, precision, and heritage intersect across industries — a theme echoed throughout the afternoon.
Craftsmanship and Heritage at Stefano Ricci
Next, the group moved to Stefano Ricci, where representatives spoke about the brand’s uncompromising standards in material sourcing and craftsmanship. The focus was not trends, but longevity — clothing designed to last, both physically and stylistically.
It was a reminder that many of Rodeo Drive’s most iconic names are built on decades of discipline, not fleeting attention.
A Rodeo Drive Origin Story at Peter Marco Jewelry
At Peter Marco Jewelry, attendees heard a more personal story. The speaker reflected on opening the store on Rodeo Drive and how the location shaped the brand’s growth, reputation, and relationship with clients over time.
The stop grounded the tour in entrepreneurship — how individual vision and timing intersect with place.
Inside Dior: A Fourth-Floor Perspective
One of the afternoon’s most anticipated moments came at Dior, where guests were invited up to the fourth floor for a talk on the brand’s evolving retail experience.
Speaker Courtney explained how Dior now hosts curated lunch and dinner experiences twice a week, blending hospitality with fashion in a way that reflects changing expectations of luxury retail — where experience matters as much as product.
A Sweet Finish at Sweet Angeles
The tour concluded at Sweet Angeles Bakery and Cafe, offering a relaxed setting to wrap up the afternoon. Attendees enjoyed coffee and conversation, underscoring the neighborhood feel that still exists within one of the world’s most famous shopping districts.
Presence News On the Ground
Presence News captured video throughout the tour, documenting candid moments, speaker insights, and the atmosphere along Rodeo Drive. The footage will accompany this coverage to give readers a firsthand sense of the initiative and the people behind it.
“Spotlight with Sharona” reflects a broader effort by the City of Beverly Hills to humanize its commercial corridors — emphasizing story, accessibility, and community engagement alongside global prestige.
As this new initiative continues, Presence News will remain on the ground, documenting how civic leadership, local business, and public space intersect in real time.
Did you enjoy the event? Take any photos you want included in this article? Send it over to us VIA email or on our Instagram. Check Beverly Hills Chamber website for upcoming events you don’t want to miss out.
More at Presence News:
