Hong Kong’s new Lane Crawford store has been called “the most mod retail space in Asia”

International mega-stores have evolved as glamorous showcases converging all the top designer labels, while boutiques designed as chic boudoirs enhance the "personal" touch.

This massive investment in prime retail reflects Hong Kong's booming luxury sector, where brands such as Prada, Armani, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Hermes, Yves St Laurent, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dolce & Gabbana and more have already established flagship stores.

The latest new additions are capturing the attention of the world. Luxury department store Lane Crawford's new flagship in the International Financial Centre (ifc), with its martini lounge, chill-out CD bar and exquisite Yabu Pushelberg interiors, has been called "the most mod retail space in Asia".   At 82,000 square feet, it incorporates the first Agent Provocateur store in Asia and other brands such as Donna Karan, Elle Macpherson and Dolce & Gabana.  A home and lifestyle area carries Italian designer brands such as Frette, Etro and Missoni, presented alongside unique home accessories from artisans such as LePage, Schleeh Designs and Covo.

The store has the feeling of an elegant manor house, encouraging shoppers to explore its series of luxurious rooms. A choreographed range of beautiful materials and artistic finishes are employed throughout - including an entrance in French limestone (also used in the Louvre in Paris), designer wall finishes, exotic woods and hand-made carpets.

World's best standard

David Riddiford, Lane Crawford's senior vice-president - merchandising, said the store's plush environment reflected the higher expectations of Hong Kong consumers, who are increasingly well-travelled and sophisticated. "Lane Crawford wanted to be measured against the best department stores in the world - Barney's, Bergdorf's, Neiman's, Selfridges etc  - so we decided to build a store which could be compared with those great stores," Mr Riddiford said.

He added this new retail concept would be the framework for the company's expansion in the Chinese mainland.  "Lane Crawford looks forward to replicating in the mainland the successful business model it has created in Hong Kong."

Another store designed on the "mansion" theme opened in Central in June. Entering the lifestyle boutique Kou is like walking into someone's chic and stylish home - except that everything you see is for sale. In the entry level lounge are displayed paintings (including works of art by masters), sculptures, rugs and furniture, either custom designed or hand picked, from brand new to antiques, collected from around the world. The dining area showcases themed table settings, including the best European tableware and flatware. In the kitchen, high quality cookware and kitchen accessories can be found.

Exquisite offerings

Louise Kou has opened her lifestyle boutique, Kou, in response to Hong Kong’s growing appreciation of stylish shopping

In other new developments, the first Asian Harvey Nichols store will open at The Landmark, Central, later this year. Modelled after the swank London Knightsbridge store, it will add yet another dimension to Hong Kong's glamour shopping experience.

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