Soho, NYC: Inside New York celebrity party for Bondi-born menswear label Venroy
Sean Venturi has grown his Bondi-born menswear label to become a global resort wear force, opening a new store located in one of the world’s most exclusive shopping districts.
Confidential
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It is a big flex – opening a store in one of New York’s trendiest shopping districts alongside some of the world’s biggest brands.
Venroy’s Sean Venturi though wasn’t nervous ahead of the celebrity opening in Soho.
“It is really special, I feel like the nervousness is replaced by having moments like the opening party,” Venturi told Confidential in New York.
“Eventually when I go back to my hotel room tonight, I will probably have a moment of feeling really proud of myself as well as the team. It is cool, surreal I guess and very special.”
Venturi last year opened the brand’s first US store, being in Montauk, Long Island. There is also a store in Capri, Italy.
The founder and managing director grew up in Bondi — a mythical idyll in the minds of many around the world, a place they identify as the physical manifestation of ‘escape’.
The seaside Sydney suburb provided ample inspiration for the holiday state of mind upon which Venroy was built.
Venturi and his friend Theo Smallbone launched the company in 2011 with a small suite of men’s boardshorts. (Smallbone has since left the company.)
Soho in New York City is a big move for the Bondi brand that he started 14 years ago and is known for its simple, elegant cuts and linen fabrications.
All three of the international locations operate through the summer months only, although there are plans to expand to all year round. Further store openings are likely too.
“We will stick to jet set locations for now, where we can close the store for winter and not worry about it but there will be a time in the not-too-distant future where we will be doing permanent stores.”
The New York location is on Greene Street, Soho, on the same strip as brands including Proenza Schuler, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Dior and Cartier.
“I definitely think we will stick with New York. Soho is doing really well and it feels right from a brand mix but I feel like there is probably room for multiple stores in the city, it will just be about what becomes available.
Miami and Los Angeles are also on Venturi’s radar.
It is not an easy time for retailers as consumers kerb spending due to the cost of living crisis.
Several major Australian brands with international profiles have gone under, Dion Lee being a recent example.
Venturi though is confident of Venroy’s international expansion.
“We have certainly noticed that foot traffic is down in stores, fortunately we have been able to still grow like for like year on year sales in all locations despite having less foot traffic,” he said. “For us, we’ve been able to maintain our growth because we are really focused. We have the client in mind, we are so considerate of that client and creating purposeful product and experiences that are aligned with travel and leisure.”
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