The $20 million, million-square-foot, 75 acres (30 ha) Fashion Island shopping center opened on September 9, 1967, with parking spaces for 5,500 cars.

[7] The 1990s and early 2000s brought about major consolidation and change in the department store industry of Southern California and beyond, significantly affecting Fashion Island.

Federated announced it would rebrand the Broadway fleet of department stores into Macy's or Bloomingdale's, closing redundant locations in the process.

[13] The Broadway, the sole remaining anchor from the property's 1967 opening, was renovated and reopened as Bloomingdale's in the fall of 1996, as part of the company's entry into California.

The arrival of Bloomingdale's was considered a major achievement for Fashion Island, beating its rival South Coast Plaza in a bidding war for the department store's first Orange County location.

[15] The first Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar opened adjacent to the Hard Rock Cafe in 1998, followed by then-sister concept Roy's the following year.

[16] Fashion Island was renovated once more in 2003, strengthening the property's Mediterranean design and adding refreshed landscaping, architectural elements, and a new carousel.

[17] The Hard Rock Cafe closed in 2005, and was replaced by Blue Coral, a short-lived seafood concept from Fleming's and Roy's parent OSI International (now Bloomin' Brands).

[24] Dean & Deluca cancelled its plans to open at Fashion Island in 2009, causing a delay in the construction of the multi-tenant building it was slated to occupy.