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Tuesday 14 June 2011

Zara Melbourne - Preview & Store Opening Party

How lucky am I to have been invited to attend the preview of the very first Melbourne store?

I was lead on a tour through the store with a small group of bloggers, enjoying a glass of champagne and  shopping before everyone else!

Each section was explained in detail by the head office staff and I learned some facts along the way -


  • the Studio collection at the entry of every Zara store is the iconic pieces of the season, the best sellers and also the best quality merchandise
  • Zara has catered for Melbourne's love of black and included lots of black stuff just for us
  • Zara is all about colour this winter, even if Melbourne doesn't love it
  • Black and grey colours means playing with texture, especially for the guys.  I was very impressed with the men's section.  Men's high street fashion is virtually non existent in Australia and Zara had a full floor of well priced, up to date fashions for the man in your life.

The store itself is huge with great street frontage and is thankfully not cluttered.  I've been to many stores around the world (isn't that the highlight for Australians when heading overseas - to go to EVERY SINGLE Zara store since we've been so deprived for so many years???) and some stores, while having the entire range, are tiny making it a painful experience of rummaging.  The store here is logically set out and a pleasure to peruse.  Everything is styled perfectly and trends and occasions have their own little spots - the casual, the layering pieces.. the party pieces.  And there's plenty of winter and summer items on offer.

It's been weeks since the Sydney store opened and apparently the crowds are still insane, so I really enjoyed the opportunity to browse and try things without crowds.

I did find the prices $10-$60 higher compared to international Zara online store, but that seems to be a trend in Australia.  Still plenty of things under $100, including dresses and shoes.


I must admit I did find it strange walking down the street with a Zara bag.


I tried lots and lots on, but in the end only walked out with the above blouse (I really wanted a similar one in orange but wasn't brave enough).  I tried to steer clear of the "very Zara" pieces for fear of wearing the same thing as every other girl this winter.  I'll let it die down a little bit... right?  $119 for 100% silk.

And in case you weren't following my every step on Twitter while I was there tonight, here's some iPhone photos.


Crowd control!


First glimpse


I almost felt like I was in Europe


The orange top was calling my name... $139.  The coat was $220.


Gorgeous accessories - the leopard clutch was $159


Men's floor.


Some more men's


Brights, butterflies and champagne




Can anyone explain to me why Zara scarves are some of the most expensive items?



LBD



Colour blocking


Ballet flats for little girls... too cute!


19 comments:

  1. weeeeeeeee!!!!! i can't wait to go!! cheaper than flying to Malaysia... but not as exciting. :P

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous11:26 pm

    How exciting that you got a VIP tour by the head office staff! Didn't think Melbourne would get a headoffice! The bright colours look amazing in store.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ValerieM11:35 pm

    From a Sydney blogger -

    styleintoaction.blogspot.com/search/label/Zara

    The large scarves start at $30-$40 for 100% viscose...the 100% linens go for $60-$70 & the 100% wool ones were $80-$90.

    For Sydney, the premium women's range (at the front of the store) was Zara Woman (& there was some "Studio" within that). But they didnt distinguish the "Studio" for us in Sydney...however they did highlight "Zara Basic" and "TRF" which I understand....so still trying to get my head around "Studio". There is also a "Premium Denim" also within "Zara Woman"....one of these days we'll figure that out....I like the way you post & your heaps of photos...will keep checking in, Ta

    styleintoaction.blogspot.com/search/label/Zara

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow you're lucky!
    cant believe the leopard clutch is so expensive... broke my heart a little bit.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for a great wrap up!

    Just a little jealous of your VIP champagne private tour.

    Yes, you are right. It's almost getting to be like European shopping here in Australia.

    SSG xxx

    Sydney Shop Girl blog

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great pictures, thanks for the overview! Everything looks so tidy and stylish, pity the crowds will mess it all up!

    I love the blouse you got! xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous12:02 pm

    AWESOME POST!!

    I wonder what the lines are like today?!

    YOU'VE GIVEN ME ZARA FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVER!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A great event indeed, a shame we didn't get to meet but somewhat tricky in a sea of 700!

    I didn't brave the lines to actually buy something in the end. I did wonder though with two drops of new clothing a week i.e. soooo much clothing coming in- will zara have some sort of permanent bargain basement?

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