Images: WWD
British brand Alexander McQueen have opened their first Chinese store in Beijing’s Sanlitun North complex, marking the grand opening with an exclusive fashion show attended by creative director Sarah Burton and chief executive Jonathan Akeroyd. The label proved it’s popularity when 300 VIPs and media attended a cocktail party and the catwalk presentation of the autumn/winter 2011-12 collection as part of the store launch.
Spanning over two floors and fitted with a clean white interior, the 4,305-square-foot McQueen store stocks men’s and women’s wear as well as accessories. It’s elaborate glass entrance and lengthy interior contrasts dramatically with McQueen’s London store on Old Bond Street, which boasts a more modest boutique embedded in a town house style unit.
Although this is McQueen’s first step into the Chinese market, Akeroyd admitted he’s impressed with the Eastern consumers’ knowledge of the brand, while Sarah Burton expressed her interest in Chinese style. “I’m so impressed with their sense of style — they’re real risk-takers,” she told WWD.
