Judging from all the recent shop openings, the recession seems like yesterday's news. Last week alone, Balenciaga opened a second store in Harbour City, while former fashion executive Nicole Wan debuted a concept store in The Landmark featuring young Parisian brands such as Melinda Gloss and Cotelac.
Also coming soon are J. Lindeberg, and Paris-based brand Rick Owens, which is known for its dark and edgy leather pieces.
With so many openings, it takes something unique for people to really sit up and take notice. Standing apart from the crowd is Costume National's first store in Hong Kong (it already has standalone stores for diffusion line C'N'C). This 'installation space' will showcase contemporary art as well as installations featuring pieces from the maison's archives specially selected by creative director and founder of the brand, Ennio Capasa. At the moment the store is exhibiting the brand's first collection alongside the current autumn/winter arrivals. Unlike most designer stores that have set up shop in glossy malls such as The Landmark, Costume (right) has chosen the more edgy area of SoHo (30-32 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2526 2777) to appeal to a different customer base. No doubt it will provide a fresh take on designer shopping in Hong Kong.
Also looking to offer something different to its customers is Tod's. The Italian luxury brand recently announced a one-year collaboration with Milan's iconic La Scala Theatre, with the hope of promoting Italian arts and culture around the world.
To kick off the partnership, the brand released An Italian Dream, a short film featuring 13 La Scala dancers telling the story of the art of shoemaking. The video will be shown in stores worldwide and the event will be recreated in cities around Asia such as Japan and Beijing.