Stars shine at MCM’s London flagship opening party

A host of celebrities flocked to the opening of German luxury brand MCM’s new flagship store in London’s Mayfair.

The Conduit Street opening party was attended by more than 200 star guests, including global celebrities Rain, Lee Dahae and Stephanie Lee, international top models Toby Huntington Whiteley and Sang Woo Kim, actress Clara Paget and top bloggers such as Bryan Boy and Tina Leung, as well as fashion industry leaders Dylan Jones (Editor in Chief, British GQ) Vanessa Kingori (GQ Publisher) and Luke Day (GQ Style Editor).

Guests at MCM's new flagship store opening party in London's Mayfair

Events live-streamed on Naver V-live channel

At the Fashion Awards on the preceding night, K-pop star Rain, famous Korean actress Dahey Lee, top model Stephanie Lee, and top Chinese actress Maggie Jiang also proudly wore MCM on the red carpet.  Both the red carpet as well as London’s flagship store opening event were live-streamed through the Naver V-live channel, which was viewed by a worldwide audience of more than 60,000.

MCM’s London flagship opening has come during an important milestone for the brand – its 40th anniversary in 2016. The company officially celebrated the launch of the store on December 6 with the star-studded party hosted by Chief Visionary Officer, Sung-Joo Kim.

Left: MCM's Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim (in red) with Dylan Jones, Editor in Chief, British GQ

Modern and forward-thinking aesthetic

The flagship store has over 190sq m of sales area across two floors showcasing both men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, footwear and the full MCM accessory collection, which includes the brand’s signature Cognac Visetos Heritage pieces.

The newly designed store on the corner of London’s busy Conduit Street has a modern and forward-thinking aesthetic. Light bronze metal plating adorns the furniture and sales area, complementing the slightly darker bronze mirrored walls. Throughout the store, the floor, walls and ceiling have been customised using oak wood flooring. The contrast of the bronze metal and the wood pays homage to the brand’s commitment to heritage, craftsmanship, quality and detail in true German tradition and style. 

Left: MCM's Sung-Joo Kim arriving at the Fashion Awards; Middle: Pop star Rain on the red carpet

Johnnie Walker House makes Middle East debut

Diageo has announced the opening of a new Johnnie Walker House showcase store at Bahrain Duty Free, in collaboration with leading operator Aer Rianta International (ARI). It is the first permanent Johnnie Walker House to be launched in the Middle East.

The 15sq m standalone store, located in the newly renovated Bahrain Duty Free Departures area, joins an elite network of Johnnie Walker luxury whisky embassies worldwide, including Mumbai, Singapore, Amsterdam and recent successful launches in Beijing and Seoul Incheon airports. There are several flagship stores in the domestic channel, including Beijing, Shanghai and Seoul, continuing the brand’s mantra of Keep Walking.

Johnnie Walker House at Bahrain Duty Free

Key location for super-deluxe Scotch whisky

Dayalan Nayager, Managing Director of Diageo Global Travel, said: “We are delighted to extend our Johnnie Walker House footprint to travellers in Bahrain for the first time. The Middle East is a key location for super-deluxe Scotch whisky and therefore critically important to the Johnnie Walker House global expansion strategy.”

Built around the theme of ‘Whisky Conversations’, Johnnie Walker House Bahrain’s features include a whisky scent bar where travellers can appreciate the liquid’s subtle flavours and aromas, as well as exclusive personalisation and gifting opportunities through unique gifts with purchase and customised labelling.

To celebrate the launch, the boutique will offer a number of limited editions, including John Walker & Sons Master Blenders Collection and the limited-edition designs of Johnnie Walker House Willow Collection. The full Johnnie Walker colours range is also available.

Impactful retail theatre

Andre Chong, Global Head of Johnnie Walker House, said: “Travellers are increasingly looking for luxurious shopping experiences that both educate and inspire them, and with the opening of Johnnie Walker House Bahrain we continue to respond to this demand as we step up our investment in luxury retail activations.”

He added: “Exclusivity is integral to Johnnie Walker House, and Johnnie Walker House Bahrain is no different. It offers shoppers an unforgettable experience; we tell the story of our spirits through knowledgeable brand ambassadors and impactful retail theatre, fulfilling our ambitions to bring joy back to the journey by helping to make the purchasing process one of ease.”

The luxury boutique has been constructed with an architecture that merges innovative design with the story of the brand, immersing travellers in a part gallery, part museum experience which captures the rich history of the whisky-making experience.

Bassam Al Wardi, General Manager of Bahrain Duty Free, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Diageo to open the first permanent Johnnie Walker House in the region. Bahrain Duty Free and ARI are committed to providing customers with engaging brand experiences in a luxury environment and this stunning whisky emporium realises this aspiration. It’s a fantastic addition to our recently renovated Departures area and the perfect showcase to entice our growing passenger base to explore and enjoy this iconic brand.”