It does seem a little humorous to me that Gucci would swing open its smoked glass and mirrored doors in the CBD during the week Brisbane celebrates ‘City meets Country’ with the RNA’s Ekka.
Recently working in Melbourne and having the usual small country town jibes flung at me on more than one occasion, I simply adore the irony of one of the world's leading luxury fashion brands taking up residence in Brisbane during the week of our Royal National Show.
Gucci however is not alone; it is merely the latest high-end retailer to set up shop in what is being dubbed the ‘Paris end of town.’ With esteemed designer neighbours Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Salvatore Ferragamo, Mont Blanc, Tiffany & Co., Coach and Ralph Lauren, the question of whether Brisbane is ready for these luxury labels is immaterial – they’re here and loads of shoppers are frequenting them.
Fashionistas from the Gold to the Sunshine Coast sipped French champagne and nibbled on delicate canapés at Gucci’s new boutique on Edward Street last night to celebrate. The store spans more than 300 square meters and boasts a design concept by Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini.
“I wanted to amplify the luxuriousness of the Gucci store environment and to create an aesthetic, which is complementary to the vision of the House today,” explains Giannini. “This design concept is a modern architectural statement that references iconic Gucci materials and elements of stores from the past. Everything was carefully chosen to make the design stand out while highlighting the collections in the strongest possible way.”
The store is spectacular, the use of rosewood and marble are enhanced with the introduction of new elements like warm polished gold, smoked mirrors and smoked bronze glass, recalling the elegance and richness of the Art Deco era. Aside from the much talked about overwhelming sense of space, its warm luxurious materials pave the way for a very 21st century contemporary look for the fashion house.
There is a wide selection of temptations including men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, luggage, handbags, small leather goods, shoes, silks, timepieces, jewelry, fragrances, the children’s collection and did I mention the shoes? There are oodles of them.
Echoing the House’s riding heritage, the signature Gucci stirrup is everywhere. Pants tuck into boots, golden studs decorate sandals, and tassels characterize high-heel moccasins. Love!
Another fabulous notch in Brisbane’s belt is that this Gucci boutique will be the first in Australia to offer the made to order handbag. While these bags start from $2,800 they are made specifically to your requirements.
I’m sorry what was that my Southern sisters? Sure, come on up to our little country town and get yourself some made to order Gucci. I can hear the stampede already.
Want more on Gucci’s made to order handbags,
click here.
Fashionista Faces:
Lindsay Bennett with John & Deborah Quinn
Troy Cassar-Daley &
Laurel Edwards
Arthur & Katina
Tzaneros
Mary Dickinson
Georgina Lewis &
Amanda McLeay
@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new
Brisbane Times Plus One Column!
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