In South Africa we’re blessed enough to have a wide variety of fashion designers and brands. But, when auspicious moments such as this comes along, we can’t help but pay full attention to how South Africa is truly blossoming into a hub where international meets local! On Tuesday, May 12th 2015, luxury designer brand PRADA opened its first store in the new wing of Sandton City, or better known as the Diamond Walk!
By now, just about everyone knows how iconic and tasteful PRADA and its collections are and by introducing its first store into the country, South Africa will now be able to experience it all in the comfort of it’s number one shopping destination. The space, designed by architect Roberto Baciocchi, covers over an area of 800 square metres and houses the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, accessories and footwear collections. The store focuses on male and female sections and hosts various upscaled booths holding accessories as soon as shoppers walk in.
“The internal façade, of remarkable visual impact, stretches approximately 65 metres in length and with its elegant geometry results the focus of the “Diamond Walk”: a backlit white canvas curtain enclosed in a crystal box creates a sophisticated atmosphere. Strips of black marble frame the entrances, windows and light boxes, lending a precious flair to the space.”
But the highlight of the evening was most definitely the pure elegance of MC, Media mogul and PRADA influencer, Lalla Hirayama, who was dressed head to toe in the designer gear. She took to instagram to share: “Proud to have been one of the Prada influences for South Africa last night at the #PradaSandton launch. Loved this beautifully simple but powerful look. Très chic!!! So elegant!!!! Cant go wrong when you’re head to toe in @prada right!?…. Swoon!” – We couldn’t agree more, she looked incredible!
The crème de la crème of South African Media were in attendance and all had amazing things to say: “This store is absolutely captivating, I’m loving the atmosphere, it really feels genuine, like by just walking through the door you know it’s going to be something special.” Said fashion blogger and stylista Anne Dolinschek. While Alan and Krishen from “Alan Foley and Krishen Samuel“ – SA’s very own fashion police, had nothing but praise for the first store PRADA franchise to hit the country and loved the impressive size of the store!
We spotted Queen B, Bonang Mateba. Singers Danny K, ChianoSky and multi-man Maps Maponyane. We also spotted the lovely Jen Su who we were so glad to see back in SA! Catering was done by business extraordinaire, Vicky Crease. Who, may we say gave us the most delectable array of courses and beverages within the evening!
You can get your piece of the PRADA lifestyle now, exclusively inside of Sandton City Shopping Centre (Details Below).
PRADA
Store number: U18
Tel: 011 326 7517
Operating Hours
Weekdays: 9am-8pm
Saturday: 9am-8pm
Sunday: 9am-6pm
Public Holidays: 9am-6pm