Global fashion giants roll into St Collins Lane

THE former Australia on Collins shopping centre is to become home to the first Australian stores of three leading international labels.

The major revamp of Australia on Collins, St Collins. Construction boys Peter Lebessis and Rhys Tatti holding Emily Wake, Sophie D'Huij, and Philippa Gleeson [from Vivens models] . Picture: Alex Coppel.

THE former Australia on Collins shopping centre is to become home to the first Australian stores of three leading international labels.

UK brand Reiss, along with French fashion labels Sandro and Maje, will call the new St Collins Lane home when the centre opens in August next year.

Construction has started on the $30 million refurbishment of the centre, which will reinstate a laneway between Collins and Little Collins streets.

La Salle Investment Management’s regional director of development, Matthew Bailey, said the international retailers signified a coming of age for Melbourne as a luxury fashion destination.

“It is testament to the St Collins Lane vision that we are seeing such a strong set of iconic brands, which have never had a presence in Australia before, reinforcing the fact the centre is set to revitalise the Melbourne shopping scene,” he said.

“We are heavily invested in creating the right mix of brands, so we have been careful to select the labels which reflect our vision for St Collins Lane as the new home of luxury, premium international and Australian designer fashion.”

The centre is 40 per cent leased, with international brands TAG Heuer, Coach and Furla to sit alongside Australian fashion brands.

Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson said the three brands making their Australian debut at the centre offered a unique European influence.