RETAIL

Classic Lines: Jacques Vert, a London-based sportswear manufacturer and retailer, has just opened what is planned to be the first of 25 U.S. stores at Newport Center Fashion Island.

The 1,600-square-foot store in Newport Beach is the first of four Southern California stores--including one at Brea Mall--slated to open their doors within the next six weeks. The other two are planned for Sherman Oaks Fashion Square and an unnamed site in Palos Verdes, said Maureen Geudtner, manager of the Newport Beach store.

The 4-year-old company entered the American market three years ago with the Jacques Vert label, a line of classic career sportswear with blouses in the $98 range and linen blazers priced at about $310.

Portions of the line now are carried at such tony stores as I. Magnin and Bullocks Wilshire as well as at about 300 boutiques. But the Fashion Island store is the first with the Jacques Vert name and the company’s entire line.

In addition to the Jacques Vert label, the American stores will carry Alain Cannelle, a casual sportswear line with novelty T-shirts, for example, priced at about $55 and natural fiber blazers in the $210 range.