NEW ZEALAND. Fashion was to the fore as DFS Group last week officially opened its newly renovated T Galleria by DFS, Auckland in the heart of the city’s central business district.
The grand opening celebration was attended by over 500 customers and guests including New Zealand Fashion Week (27 August-2 September) attendees and representatives from the world of luxury retail.
“The opening event was a great opportunity to celebrate the store as well as the amazing design talent in New Zealand.” – DFS Group Region President Asia South Robert Calzadilla.
The event featured a spectacular art installation by local graffiti artist Otis Frizzell on the store’s eye-catching historical staircase (the store is housed in Auckland’s Customhouse), a whisky and cocktail tasting and a live performance from renowned DJ Jaimie Webster Haines.
The opening included an in-store fashion show with a curated presentation by nine New Zealand-based fashion designers. Here, as described by DFS, is a summary of what each brought to the party.
• Benjamin Alexander delivers a touch of glamour with his sequin-crusted suits and intricate beaded evening dresses.
• Harman Grubisa avoids trends and produces everything ethically in New Zealand. Best friends Jessica Grubisa and Madeline Harman create art pieces designed to enjoy a long lifespan in women’s wardrobes.
• Turet Knuefermann matches exuberance with tradition to empower women and celebrate their feminine beauty.
• Maaike collections are a mix of flowing silks as well as cotton knits with a bolder and graphic edge that cater for multiple age groups.
• Salasai is renowned for its bold prints, soft tailoring and languid aesthetic. Described as “dark and unassuming”, each season is crafted to be innovative yet timeless.
• Stolen Girlfriends Club entertain and empower a youthful rebellious spirit and a healthy sense of humour. The brand was founded in 2005 by three friends, Dan Gosling, Marc Moore and Luke Harwood. Garments are laced with confidence and courage, with an underlying feeling of rock’n’roll swagger.
• Wynn Hamlyn combines classical tailoring with an expressive technical approach led by youthful joy in materiality.
• Zambesi epitomises individual spirit, redefining conversation with an ironic practicality. All items are made in New Zealand.
• Kathryn Wilson is New Zealand’s most successful footwear designer, celebrated for her innovative design and high-quality styles.
“Our newly renovated T Galleria by DFS, Auckland is truly exceptional, and the opening event was a great opportunity to celebrate the store as well as the amazing design talent in New Zealand,” said DFS Group Region President Asia South Robert Calzadilla. “We love to find new ways to surprise and delight our travelling customers, and with four levels of amazing products at T Galleria by DFS, Auckland, there is something for everyone to discover.”
The store features over 200 leading brands housed within a heritage building, Auckland’s Customs House. The offer spans DFS’ five pillars of luxury: Fashion and Accessories, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewellery, Wines and Spirits and Food and Gifts, with 33 brands available exclusively at the store.
