A very Grand Opening: ‘Luxury-only’ DFS Galleria Macao is unveiled in stunning style – 01/09/08

The Grand Opening was themed ‘Your key to unlocking luxury’


MACAO (CHINA). DFS Group hosted the Grand Opening of its new DFS Galleria Macao in sumptuous style on Friday evening.

An audience of VVIP customers, celebrities, company executives, airport and trade partners, and media joined DFS in a stunning celebration of the “˜luxury-only’ Galleria.

Guests were treated to a series of themed events, exhibitions and rare product viewings in the three “˜worlds’ that make up the Galleria – Fashion, Beauty and Watches & Jewellery.

Ed Brennan: “We wanted to provide customers with a luxury and world-class shopping experience”


A special “˜Luxury Vault’ was created for the occasion. Behind black curtains and ringed with security men, some US$9.1 million worth of rare and exquisitely crafted items were on display for viewing by appointment only.

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They included a US$5.6 million De Beers Diamond Emerald Cut Ring and the Dior Rainbow Phoenix, an extraordinary necklace in yellow gold comprised of 1,215 precious stones from diamonds, opals, sapphires and a 13.46 carat emerald – retail price US$744,302.

The mono-boutiques that make up the Fashion and Watches & Jewellery Worlds were buzzing with activity. Bally, for example, put on a retrospective exhibition of men’s and women’s shoes down the years; Emporio Armani hosted a photographic exhibition of fashion images taken from the celebrated Emporio Armani magazine; female guests lined up for photos wearing a Chaumet tiara; and Ralph Lauren showed an historic exhibition of old photographs.

Elsewhere, male and female models adorned in gold led a suitably named “˜Gold Fever’ promotion from MAC; Luxottica offered a signature eyewear collection and Moët & Chandon treated guests to ice-cold Champagne in its distinctive Moët Bar, featuring the quirky “˜Golden Bubble’ room.

The Fashion World was alive with interactivity and displays of brand heritage


Guests sipped on ice cold Champagne at the distinctive Moët Bar, featuring the quirky “˜Golden Bubble’ room


Later at an elegant private dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel (the Galleria is located at The Shoppes at Four Seasons), DFS Chairman and CEO Ed Brennan told guests: “We’re very proud to add this new Galleria to our portfolio of Gallerias.

“We wanted to provide customers with a luxury and world-class shopping experience that until now was not available. We think we have achieved that.”

Toasting the success of DFS Galleria Macao: (left to right) Sun Li and Liu Ye (DFS Group’s celebrity ambassadors from China), Sheena Fang Wang, Director of China Marketing Office, Ed Brennan, and the emcees for the evening


The highlight of the dinner was an extraordinary fashion show in which a number of rare luxury items were worn by models walking among the tables (pictured below)

The model wears a De Beers Wildflowers Necklace: a combination of pave and bezel set diamonds, it contains 56 carats of pave diamonds set in platinum. The exquisite piece is inspired by a South African flower called Black Eyed Susan.


Showstoppers: The DFS models and celebrities line up on stage at the end of a stunning cameo show


Another amazing piece: the model wears a Chopard Diamond necklace with red teardrop pendent


Big names who attended included Liu Ye and Sun Li, DFS Group’s celebrity ambassadors from China, and Chinese singer and actor (and Tag Heuer ambassador) Peter Ho (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Ho (pictured below) told The Moodie Report: “I’m glad to see so many luxury brands in one place. This is bringing modern China to a new public. At the Olympics we saw both traditional Chinese culture and new technology. Everything in China is rising.”

Peter Ho: “This is bringing modern China to a new public”


We’ll bring you a full report on the Grand Opening and a walkthrough of the store in a special edition of The Moodie Report PLUS (via PDF) this week, together with an extended Picture Gallery.

Pictured (left to right): DFS executives Tim DeLessio (Asia Group President); Michael Schriver (President, Worldwide Store Operations); and Lynn Arce (Vice President, Global Creative & Internet Initiatives); with Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Dan Cappell and Martin Moodie, enjoy the private dinner after the Grand Opening


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