The new Wintergarden is a hub of fashion and design
Like many, I have watched the facade of our old friend the Wintergarden freshen up and have wondered what new shops might lie inside. Yet it wasn't until I ventured inside for an exclusive tour of some Spring's upcoming fashion trends that I learnt what true gems are there waiting to be discovered. The new
Wintergarden is a hive of fashion and shopping for all to enjoy, presenting a range of new and old designers, all in the one centre.
M.J. Bale - designer menswear
First stop was
M.J. Bale, described as fine tailors and gentlemen's clothiers. As suppliers of suits to the discerning business man, sporting teams and wedding parties, this branch of the Sydney based company boasts racks of suits, shirts and ties in a variety of colours and styles. We were informed that for the upcoming season we should expect pastels to make a come back, providing bright relief after the dull days of winter. With an online ordering system and great deals such as two suits for $1000, this luxurious men's store is well worth dragging hubby in for a visit. Find out more at
M.J. Bale.
Coach are extending their collection on the advice of their new designer
At the entrance to the Wintergarden, facing the Mall, is the iconic American luggage brand,
Coach. For the upcoming season, they have been excited to announce a new designer for the brand. Stuart Vevers, known for his work at Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy and Louis Vutton. A winner of British Fashion Council's Accessory Designer of the Year Award in 2006, Stuart has encouraged Coach to branch out from bags and shoes and extend their collection to include a full-range of women's wear. They will retain a range of accessories reminiscent of the traditional coach items, but we can also expect to see new ranges sporting animal prints mixed with pale neutral colours and pastels. Also remaining is the Coach Turnlock, but it will appear in odd places: holding down bag straps and zippers as well as closing a bag - an item which is as much decorative as it is practical. Coach's full range of styles can be found on their comprehensive
Website.
Seed's comfortable clothing is for women, teens and children
can be found around many of our shopping centres, but their Wintergarden store is one of the largest. With a wide range of women's teens and children's clothes, their casual linen creations and comfortable and affordable. Their new women's collection falls into three categories, entitled
Wanderlust (whites, neutrals and chambrays in relaxed styles for long summer evenings),
Ethnic Influence (referencing bold leopard prints, Aztec patterns and graphic cheetah spots) and
Collection (clean, elevated and tailored in silk, lurex and leather). Teen styles (boys and girls aged 8-16) include denim, novelty prints, nay and metallic hints, while younger children wear prints with splashes of humour. For their full range, visit their
Website.
Mecca Maxima have over 75 brands in store
My last stop was
Mecca Maxima, a massive cosmetic store stocked with favourite big name brands alongside boutique lesser known brands. Staff are helpful and keen to assist you in putting together a new look. In case you are bamboozled by the range of products on display, handy tip cards help point the customer in the right direction. Smashbox, Lancôme, Clinique and Bobby Brown are just some of the brands represented. The store offers a full range of services, including make up lessons and make overs. Located just inside the Wintergarden,
Mecca Maxima will help you complete your look.
Designer Archives present one-off items direct from the fashion runways
The most unusual shop in our visit was our last, at
Designer Archives. Designer Archives bring you the best of the top fashion labels at a fraction of the cost. Always wanted a handbag like Audrey Hepburn's, lusting after a Chanel earrings, want to cash in on Kardashian Couture or fancy some Ferragamos on your feet, then here's your chance. Designer Archives source pre-owned luxury items straight from Hollywood celebrities, stylists, movie wardrobes and high society models and collectors. This store is a must for everyone who appreciates fine fashion, the perfect place to find that special item for a friend or yourself. Sign up to their email on the
Designer Archives Website list to hear what is in the latest consignment, as each piece is a one-off.
