BATTLE OF THE FASHION GIANTS.

In the past two months Auckland has seen the opening of not one but two high profile fashion houses. New kid on the block Gucci,
had a excellent opening night barely a month ago and Auckland favourite
Louis Vuitton opened its newest addition to high end fashion with the
launch of their new store next door to Gucci on June 5th. Both events
where totally amazing in their own right but who won the battle of the
Party of the Year. (Albiet we are only into June)

The Gucci event was a glittering affair with the who's who of
Auckland. Champagne and nibbles were served to the guests as they
milled around and chatted, almost like a holding area. Later they were
ushered out of the shop, along the street and upstairs where two rooms
where transformed into a lounge area and a Runway area featuring a
Gucci fashion show. The Fashion show was a standout. The local models
looked amazing, the whole production was great. After the show guests
where ushered back to the lounge area where everything was laid on and
a great night was had by all. How do you top that everyone was talking
about it for days after.

Then came Louis Vuitton's
turn. I had no idea both shops where side by side, I suppose it helps
having them together, you don't have so far to go when you want to
spend a small fortune and limits your carbon footprint driving to the
other side of town in your Range Rover. Both shops are amazing, just
seeing all those LV Logos everywhere gives you a feeling of money and
french flair. Again the service was top class, a slightly younger crowd
with the 'must haves' still in attendance. A really nice touch was the
ribbon cutting outside the store. The ribbon was cut by Mayor John Banks, Jean- Baptist DeBains, Erika Heynatz and
Mark Browne. Good photo op too! Again guests were treated to a trip
upstairs. Using the same space as Gucci this is where french flair and
design came into their own. Not only had they transformed the space
into a very chic uber cool New York loft apartment, with cumfy seating
and very subtle LV branding everywhere you looked, there was an easy to
get to bar with staff only eager to satisfy any craving alchoholic or
not. Waiting staff continually teasing you with the most delicious
nibbles and even vodka ice blocks, but thats not all, downstairs, Jazz
supremo Nathan Haines was on the decks, spinning tunes and jamming on
his clarinet. You had to pinch yourself.. 'Was I really in Auckland?'
More than anything I was wishing these two rooms could be a permanent
feature in Auckland, God knows we need a place just like it. I was
chatting to someone and said this is bloody amazing. A guy overheard me
and came up said 'Do you like it?', 'I love it, it's one of the best
parties that I've been to'. He was pleased, his name was Dinesh Kandiah,
Public Relations Director for Louis Vuitton out of Hong Kong. All the
party settings where brought down from Hong Kong and no expense was
spared. A big accolade must also go out to PR Cathy Campbell
Communications and her team for a job well done. Talk about raising the
bar, after this event not even Dan Carter could kick over this one!!