Palisades Village opens with star-studded, black-tie gala

John Legend attends Caruso's Palisades Village Opening Gala at Palisades Village on September 20, 2018 in Pacific Palisades, California.

Leave it to Rick Caruso, the developer responsible for the shopping-center-as-neighborhood-streetscape artifice of the Grove in Los Angeles and the Americana at Brand in Glendale, to throw a grand-opening party for his latest retail project, Palisades Village.

The star-studded, black-tie affair could've doubled for an awards show as there were designer gowns and jewels galore, a sea of tuxedo-clad men and newly minted EGOT champion Legend, fresh from Monday's Emmys. It's clear that no expense was spared in presenting Caruso's years-in-the-making Palisades Village to the invite-only guest list. Attendees didn't even have to pay to get there, as they were offered $500 in Uber credits to ensure an easy and chic arrival courtesy of black SUVs. 

Guests at the black-tie gala included Rita Wilson, from left, Mindy Kaling and Kate Beckinsale.

The evening kicked off with a garden cocktail reception and a musical performance by the Martini Kings. Guests then made their way past stores including Chanel Beaute, A.L.C., Towne by Elyse Walker, Sephora Studio, Cuyana, Anine Bing and Rachel Zoe's new boutique to an open area in front of the new movie theater for the night's gala dinner. The entire scene resembled a Club Caruso of sorts with a stage featuring a "Caruso" neon sign.