Louis Vuitton opened it’s brand new Sydney store, we’re thinking about new season swimwear and Glynis suggests another fabulous Christmas gift.
This week in Sydney may as well have been dubbed LV week, as Louis Vuitton opened its brand new Maison at 365 George St to much fanfare. French CEO Yves Carcelle made the journey to Australia for the occasion, and the luxury house managed to pull in a few of its favourite celebrities for the occasion, with Cate Blanchett cutting the ribbon on Friday morning, and the likes of Ronnie Wood, Miranda Kerr and Delta Goodrem partying in the evening. The new store runs over three floors (women’s wear is right at the top of a workout-worthy flight of stairs—or you could take the lift), and offers two new services to local customers. Men can take advantage of the made-to-order shoes and belts service, while women can enjoy the “haute maroquinerie” customised bag service. There are five shapes to choose from, with eight different types of leather in 26 colours and a variety of finishes, so that you can create the bag of your dreams. Sigh. The beautifully designed store is also worth a visit to see the handiwork of artist Billie Achilleos, who creates all manner of critters—including a grasshopper, moose and armadillo—from the house’s leather goods. This includes three new local creatures to celebrate their new home, in the form of a kangaroo (see below), crocodile and koala. French flair, Australian style.
The sun is (mostly) shining, the beaches beckon… Time to consider a new swimsuit, non? This is a most exciting season for swimwear for a number of reasons. If you like sexy swimmers, you’ll find plenty to please, but similarly, if you prefer more modest, perhaps vintage-style swimwear, you’ll be ecstatic. The one-piece has had a real renaissance this season. The classic black one-piece has been reborn with beautiful structure, low leg-line and vintage appeal (especially at Anna & Boy, Jemma Jube, Cozi and Seafolly). On that note, bikini bottoms have risen to 1940s and ’50 highs, with a number of labels, including Isola by Megan Gale, Seafolly, Jemma Jube and Jets offering big bottoms to pair with bandeaux, balconettes and halter tops. For print lovers, there are plenty of options. Florals both big and small are blooming everywhere, including at Zimmermann, Tigerlily and Seafolly, while Isola has a great oversized tropical print. Leopard print is still prowling around (Tigerlily and Isola), and even tiger print gets a bite at Seafolly. Classic spots, stripes (Gorman has great nautical styles, see below) and checks, including gingham, are particularly popular this season, and work well with vintage styles. We Are Handsome offers amazing digital print pieces featuring wolves and wild horses. Detailing is having a moment, from corsetry details and cool hardware (Seventh Wonderland) to crochet trims (Tigerlily and Zimmermann) laser cut-outs (Jemma Jube, Zimmermann) and ruffles and frills (Isola, Seafolly and Cozi). If you like more streamlined styles, with fewer frills (but plenty of wolf whistles, ahem), look to camilla and marc’s panelled pieces and Anna & Boy’s structured styles, while newcomer MiskinMartinez has great single-colour, simple styles that are also super sexy. Dive in!
The latest Buccellati Collection, available at Fairfax & Roberts, has added silver to its golden palette for the first time for its Blossoms Collection. These pretty pieces will make perfect Christmas gifts, whether in ring, cuff or earring form (from $320; cuff, see below, $990). For more, see www.fairfaxandroberts.com.au.
