Daily Addict’s blog

M J Bale Flagship opening

The vitals: M J Bale flagship store opening 
 
What went on:  New luxury menswear label M.J. BALE launched their flagship store and latest collections in Woollahra. Attended by Tim Ross, Tom Williams & Kylie Spear, Aaron Jeffrey, Zoe Naylor and Lizzy Lovette along with the boys from Bondi Rescue and Waratahs’ rugby players Wycliff Palu and Phil Waugh. 
 
What we're addicted to:  The men, the suits, the men in the suits, did we mention the men? Kelvin Ho's interiors and Matt Jensens' elegant clothing. There was something to keep everyone entertained; fundraising for Black Dog Foundation, upstairs Jameson Whiskey bar and exhibition of black and white Jazz photography from Blender Gallery.
 
What else: Strange that it's a couple doors down from Herringbone. M.J. Bale is owned by Matthew Jensen (also co-founder of Herringbone).

Date: 29 June 2010

Location: MJ Bale flagship store, 106 Queens Street, Woolahra

 

-Hui

 

Incu presents Topshop in Sydney - ground zero on opening day

Yesterday, Topshop opened in Sydney. With Incu presents Topshop, the Wu brothers (owners of avant garde retail company Incu) have orchestrated a classic coup d’état:

Captured - exclusive distributor title for Topshop in Australia.
Seized - pieces from mainline Topshop, Kate Moss for Topshop, Topman and Topshop Unique.
Violence - a little to your credit card.
Infrastructure - Incu's Paddington store newly refurbished, top level.

During my early twenties living in London I had access to Topshop - the epic UK retail chain influencing every thread worn in the industry.  It was about a 15 minute walk away from home, and during the 4 years there, that walk was taken often.

It was one of the stores you could religiously rely on for any outfit on a budget - whether for a dress up party or black tie. 

The range is somewhat smaller here in Sydney (eventually just the top level of Incu's Paddington store), but we're still super happy. UK High Street trends here without the time or jet lag.

There's just one hitch; that privilege comes with a price tag.

Break down of a fabulous Stretch Weave Topshop Unique dress: 
Topshop online £85 (approx AU$ 153)Retail Price AU$ 300

Yes, I could have waited 8 days, ordered online and added the additional £7.50 stand (approx $13.55) delivery charge. But I didn't. It fit in the dressing room and the dress was worn last night.

Image gallery:
1 - Store front window
2 - Incu presents Topshop
3 & 4 - Benja Harney's British-flavoured paper creations
5 - Incu buyer Tara D'Cruz-Noble 

         
Click here to download:
Incu_presents_Topshop_in_Sydne.zip (900 KB)

Did you say 11.5 carat diamond? Fairfax & Robert's new Diamond Room

Ever wondered what an 11.55 carat worth $1.9 million looks like? Or how about a watch with 64 baguette diamonds (10.9 carats worth) set in 18 carat white gold (also known as The Royal Regent, worth a princely $1.8 million)?

These were some of the delights on show at the opening of the new Diamond Room – couture collections by Fairfax & Roberts and Backes & Strauss timepieces for men and women.

We spoke to Backes & Strauss CEO Vartkess Knadjian about his passion; he showed us some jaw-dropping loose diamonds in their perfected ‘Ideal cut’. Under the shade of a giant cascading blossom tree designed by Saskia Havekes (Grandiflora), guests mingled amongst some very sparkly jewels.

Opera singer Amelia Farrugia gave her definitive rendition of ‘Diamonds are a girl’s best friend’, supported by John Foreman on keys and some zealous male dancers.

The crowd included a big contingent of Quintessentially (luxe social member’s club) and one lucky guest won the door prize (a pair of diamond ear rings). Mr Kay, in case you’re reading; your ears aren’t pierced and you’re most welcome to send them our way.

With Nicola Cerrone’s new flagship Cerrone boutique opening around the corner a day earlier, we’re bracing for some much more serious bling in the city.

Image credits 1 & 4 - Caroline McCredie, SnapperMedia

       
Click here to download:
Did_you_say_11.5_carat_diamond.zip (2217 KB)

Did someone say coffee? Nespresso Bondi boutique opening

I have a girlfriend who lives by a mantra when talking about anything from relationships to handbags “Try, try, try, buy”.  Nespresso might have been listening as their new boutique at Westfield Bondi Junction has a demonstration area outside the main floorspace, enticing shoppers to discover the Nespresso coffee system before enjoying a Grand Cru espresso inside the boutique.

There's a reason why there's 8000 cups of this liquid gold consumed every minute across the globe, and a cult following including our very own Carla Zampatti, (and our self-appointed own) George Clooney. George wasn't at the opening event but we did get pretty excited about the coffee-infused cocktails, artwok by local Bondi artist Brad Trifitt and conversations on our favourite 'addiction'.

         
Click here to download:
Did_someone_say_coffee_Nespres.zip (2245 KB)