AUSTRALIA. Sydney Airport’s new luxury precinct has gained further lustre with the opening of French luxury house Louis Vuitton’s first retail travel store in the southern hemisphere, and Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster’s debut store in the region.
Celine, Dior, Gucci and Valentino have also opened new stores at the T1 International terminal, marking the second phase of openings, following the arrival of Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bvlgari, Hermès, Loewe, Moncler, Prada, Rolex and Saint Laurent earlier this year.
Sydney Airport Executive General Manager Commercial Mark Zaouk said: “I’m delighted to welcome six new stores to the luxury precinct in the second phase of our ambitious retail strategy to secure the world’s best luxury brands and deliver Australian firsts to passengers travelling through Sydney Airport.”
Louis Vuitton’s unique space, custom-designed for Sydney Airport, balances light woods and bright colours reminiscent of Australia’s stunning sunsets. The brand’s largest stand-alone travel retail store in the world offers a broad selection of premium women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, shoes, leathergoods, accessories, watches, jewellery and fragrances.
Gentle Monster’s eyewear collection, exclusive to the airport, is housed in a futuristic space featuring a large kinetic installation designed by the brand’s Robotics Lab. An LED installation in the store façade showcases art curated by the brand, creating a striking visual experience for passengers.
Dior’s store, new to Sydney Airport, offers a selection of women’s leathergoods, shoes and accessories from Creative Director Maria Grazia Churi, as well as the latest menswear collections.
Valentino’s first standalone airport boutique in Southeast Asia transports passengers into a warm, evocative space, featuring a range of bags, shoes, accessories and eyewear. Fellow luxury house Celine has brought its sophisticated collection to Sydney Airport for the first time.
Gucci has also unveiled an expanded store footprint spanning over 225sq m and designed in keeping with what Sydney Airport dubbed the “elegant and contemporary eclecticism that characterises the brand”. Passengers can shop the full range of Gucci’s collections, as well as putting aside products before they reach the airport.
Zaouk added: “Following a challenging few years for the travel industry, it’s great to see passengers heading overseas once more and I’m thrilled we’re able to deliver a luxury offering as part of their unique experience at Sydney Airport.
“With 16 luxury stores now open in T1 International and a further four to open at the end of 2022 and mid-2023, we’re on track to offer the largest and most extensive collection of luxury travel retail anywhere in the southern hemisphere.”
Tiffany & Co. will open towards the end of 2022, while Cartier and Versace will make their respective debuts in the luxury precinct by mid-2023. Heinemann Tax & Duty Free will also unveil an expanded offering, bringing together the largest collection of luxury brands in one space in Australia.
DAZZLING DIOR
GUCCI REIMAGINED AND EXPANDED
VIBRANT VALENTINO
