The new architectural concept for Moynat, French malletier founded in Paris in 1849, by Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity

The latest openings from Acne Studios, BMW, Vacheron Constantin and Balmain, in Copenhagen, Abu Dhabi, Macau and Hong Kong

According to preliminary data released from China’s National Bureau of Statistics, retail sales of consumer goods totalled RMB18.12 trillion (US$2.88 trillion) nationwide last year, up 17.1 per cent year-on-year (China Briefing). Most interestingly, their research highlighted the five fastest growing provinces – all of which had year on year growth in excess of 18.5% – as Yunnan, Hainan, Tianjin, Chongqing, and Shaanxi.

Yet reporting on The Latest Boutiques in Asia, it is somewhat shocking to realise that brands like Balmain, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Elie Saab, have only this year inaugurated their first locations in Hong Kong. As second, third and even fourth-tier cities grow at the fastest rates of consumption, and large luxury brands only begin to launch in top-tier cities, one wonders who and what will satiate this rampant appetite for consumption as brands scramble to cover the geographical enormity that is China.

Research goes on to suggest that the Chinese government is attempting to transition into a consumption-based growth model. To spur consumption, they are opening shopping centres around the country and expect China’s retail sales to grow by 15% a year, reaching RMB32 trillion (US$5.08 trillion) in just five years. The fastest growth is not said to come from coastal mega economies like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangdong – where many luxury brands are already active – but from smaller provinces where retail sales have huge upward potential.

3.1 Phillip Lim, Hong Kong

American designer Phillip Lim debuted his first standalone boutique in Hong Kong, featuring sleek minimalist lines and stark white finishes, designed by Leong Leong Architecture. The 75sqm space at Harbour City is Lim’s sixth store worldwide, and carries the latest collection alongside footwear, bags, sunglasses and belts.

Website: 31philliplim.com
Source: Jing Daily

Acne Studios, Copenhagen

Acne’s second Copenhagen studio is an exploration of ruby hues. Mazelike fixtures are covered in all shades of red layered with differing textures. Warm red-flocked velvet juxtaposes red carpet, terrazzo, and the red neon rooftop. The space will house Acne’s full range of denim, ready to wear, footwear and accessories.

Website & Source: acnestudios.com

Acqua di Parma, Milan

Acqua di Parma has re-launched its Milan on Via Gesu, featuring a full range of fragrances, beauty products, and accessories, such as bathrobes, slippers and travel beauty cases. The new flagship covers an expanded surface of almost 150sqm and is the first to house an in-house barbershop.

Website: acquadiparma.it
Source: CPP Luxury

Balmain, Hong Kong

Balmain has launched its first dedicated boutique in Hong Kong, within luxury mall Harbour City. Sporting decor consistent with other global outlets, the new Balmain store at Harbour City currently stocks the spring 2012 collection designed by Oliver Rousteing.

Website: balmain.com
Source: Jing Daily

BMW, Abu Dhabi

The BMW Group has opened the world’s largest showroom for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Motors. The 3,250sqm space, located in Umm Al Nar, accommodates the display of 80 vehicles, 10 motorcycles, and features a private cinema-style theatre and F1 simulator.

Website: bmw.com
Source: Luxuo

Burberry, Johannesburg

Burberry has launched its first flagship in Johannesburg in the upscale Hyde Park Corner shopping centre, with its new South African franchise partner, the Surtee Group. The 315sqm space reflects the global Burberry store design concept, incorporating British materials and themes alongside a flat-screen video wall showcasing Burberry digital content.

Website: burberry.com
Source: WWD

Carolina Herrera, Bal Harbour

Carolina Herrera has opened its third CH Carolina Herrera store in Florida, with a new boutique in the Bal Harbour Shops. The 160sqm space houses women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, as well as leather accessories, fragrances, art-minded books, sunglasses and sportswear.

Website: carolinaherrera.com
Source: WWD

Céline, New York City

Céline has opened doors on its first standalone New York boutique, at 870 Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side. The sleek two-story space reflects the minimalist aesthetic of creative director Phoebe Philo and will carry a complete selection of ready to wear and accessories.

Website: celine.com
Source: NY Times

Chaumet, Shenyang

LVMH-owned French jeweller Chaumet has debuted in Shenyang, at Charter Shopping Centre, marking the brands 18th boutique in Mainland China. Chaumet opened its first China location in Shanghai in 2008 and has since opened in more off-the-beaten-path Chinese cities like Taiyuan and Dalian. (Beijing boutique pictured)

Website: chaumet.com
Source: Jing Daily

Chopard, Dubai

The House of Chopard has re-launched its boutique at the Mall of the Emirates, after refurbishing the space in keeping with the global retail concept designed by French architect, Mr. Thierry Despont. The boutique features white oak, fine leather wall panels, luscious velvet and a fireplace made of marble. (Mayfair boutique pictured)

Website: chopard.com
Source: Day & Night

Coach, Hong Kong

Coach has opened its latest flagship on the corner of Nathan Road and Kimberly Road, Hong Kong. The 445sqm space spans two stories and features a sleek interior design with marble flooring, high-gloss white fixtures and polished stainless steel and mirror accents.

Website: coach.com
Source: Haute Living

Elie Saab, Hong Kong

Elie Saab has opened its first store in Asia, in Hong Kong’s prestigious Landmark Mall in the Central district, showcasing the brand’s ready-to-wear, evening gowns, shoes, accessories and fragrance. The interior of the Hong Kong store introduces a new concept of lighting, interior design and fixtures, but maintains the use of travertine stone, wood and leather furniture in keeping with its global concept.

Website & Source: eliesaab.com

Escada, Paris

Escada has launched its newest Parisian flagship at 2 Avenue Montaigne, incorporating the brand’s “gold concept,” a new store format that has already been rolled out to seven key cities in Europe and Asia. The 160sqm space features a monogrammed gold-coloured metallic wall and lounge area, and will provide clients with style advice, delivery and in-house alteration services.

Website: escada.com
Source: WWD

Ferrari, Maserati, Hong Kong

Ferrari and Maserati have unveiled a 1,765sqm flagship showroom in Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, following the opening of their second 3S centre in Shatin three years ago. The flagship showroom is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers panoramic views of the South China Sea.

Website: ferrari.com
Website: maserati.com
Source: Luxury Insider

Graff, Dubai

Damas, the Middle East’s leading international jewellery and watch retailer, has opened a new Graff boutique located inside the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. The 121sqm floor carries a variety of Graff jewellery and watch collections from London.

Website: graffdiamonds.com
Source: Zawya

Louis Vuitton, Rome

Louis Vuitton has opened its first Maison in Rome, on the site of Rome’s very first movie theatre, the Etoile. The three-story Maison Rome Etoile has been carefully restored by Vuitton and long-time collaborator architect Peter Marino, and features the brand’s first cinema and an adjoining book section.

Website: louisvuitton.com
Source: WWD

Michael Kors, Barbados, Puebla

Michael Kors has launched two new lifestyle boutiques, one a 170sqm space in the Limegrove Lifestyle Centre Barbados, and another 190sqm boutique in the Centro Comercial Angelopolis Mall in Puebla, Mexico. The stores both carry a mix of accessories, ready-to-wear and various furniture and homewares.

Website: michaelkors.com
Source: WWD

Montblanc Concept Store, Beijing

Montblanc has launched its four-storey interactive Boutique in Sanlitun, Beijing, the largest Montblanc Boutique anywhere in the world. Visitors are invited to take an audio-operated guided tour through the experience upon arrival, which is delivered via a handheld electronic device.

The boutique includes video-installed interactive ʻTime Capsules, virtual reality devices and a real red carpet experience. Digital experiences aside, the space will house the full spectrum of Montblancʼs luxury collections, including Swiss timepieces, writing instruments, leather, jewellery & accessories.

Website: montblanc.com
Source: Luxuo

Moynat, Paris

French trunk maker Moynat – founded in Paris in 1849 and bought by Bernard Arnault in 2011 – has opened its newest boutique in Paris, designed by Tokyo based Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity.
The heritage of the original brand has been given new meaning, transforming the curved forms and unique details into contemporary leather goods.

Website: moynat.com
Source: Curiosity

Phillips de Pury, London

New York-based auction house Phillips de Pury has re-opened its pop-up shop at London’s Claridge’s hotel, retailing contemporary, often reasonably priced, works of art. From February 21st – April 5th, artists such as Max Lamb, Martino Gamper, Michael Anastassiades, Tauba Auerbach, Faye Toogood, Bethan Laura Wood, David David and Snarkitecture will have pieces on sale to the general public.

Website: phillipsdepury.com
Website: claridges.co.uk
Source: Classic Driver

Porsche Design, New York City

The Porsche Design Group has opened a new store in New York’s SoHo district, carrying the entire product range of the Porsche Design luxury brand across 250sqm. The SoHo boutique is the world’s largest Porsche Design store, showcasing almost 40 years of “Iconic Style” and incorporating a 50sqm VIP shopping area.

Website & Source: porschedesign.com

TAG Heuer, Aventura, Moscow, Surabaya

TAG Heuer has opened within the Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida and the Grand City luxury mall in Surabaya, Indonesia, as well as on central Moscow street Stoleshnikov. All boutiques will carry a selection of TAG Heuer series models and diversification lines.

Website: tagheuer.com
Source: WWD

Toujouri, Qatar

Qatar-based international fashion brand Toujouri has opened its flagship store at The Pearl-Qatar, in the United Arab Emirates. Designed by acclaimed architect Peter Marino, the boutique features honed marble, hand painted screens and a textured wall where each block has been hand moulded, taking three months to create with one artisan.

Website & Source: toujouri.com
Further Reading: Middle East Meets West, Lama el Moatassem, Toujouri

Vacheron Constantin, Macau

Vacheron Constantin has opened its 29th boutique at Wynn Macau, incorporating contemporary elements into the traditional design through an architectural perspective. In celebration special collectors’ favourites will be showcased including the Patrimony Traditionnelle Calibre 2253 and Malte Tourbillon Regulator Boutique Exclusive timepiece.

Website & Source: vacheron-constantin.com

Zenith, Geneva

Manufacture Zenith has launched a boutique exclusively dedicated to watches on Geneva’s famed Rue du Rhône. This new store concept showcases the whole universe of Zenith’s watch domain, incorporating a private space developed to welcome the brand’s VIP customers and timepieces for both men and women.

Website: zenith-watches.com
Source: Day & Night

For more in the series of The Latest Boutiques, please see our most recent editions as follows:

– The Latest Boutiques, Burberry, Bally & Boucheron
– The Latest Boutiques, Hublot, Pomellato & Fabergé
– The Latest Boutiques, Hermès, Omega & Mercedes-Benz