Due to open in March 2022, French luxury goods retailer, Cartier, is adding to its Oceania portfolio of stores with a prestigious two-level flagship showcase at 388 George Street, Sydney. Strategically situated almost opposite rival Louis Vuitton's store, the huge window wrap states 'Opening Spring 2022' - but we're a little confused: March is Autumn in Australia.
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| Under construction with a great window wrap, Cartier's flagship Sydney store might open when it is Spring in France, but March is Autumn in Australia - photo by Andy McCourt on walkabout. |
The wrap is a stunner, in a stunning building on a revitalised George Street, so sadly mistreated during the protracted light rail redevelopment. Businesses closed, customers stayed away or put their lives at risk while construction was afoot but George Street is coming back and Cartier's opening is an endorsement of the strip's status as a premier retail shopping magnet.
The 52 metre long x 10 metre high wrap is from artwork designed by Melbourne digital artist Paul Milinski and entitled ‘The Australian Dreamscapes.’ It curves around George Street into King Street and is unmissable to anyone strolling along the CBD venue. Milinski has been commissioned by Cartier to develop four such artworks.
Alban di Mesnil, Managing Director of Cartier Oceania, told Inside Retail magazine:
"The new Oceania flagship will merge Parisian elegance whilst paying tribute to Australia's rich culture and natural beauty, featuring the savoir-faire and style Cartier is renowned for around the world."
We don't yet know who printed the artwork, or on what technology but Milinski does use the most advanced computers and, as a close-viewing piece, this one could not have been produced billboard-style with large picolitre droplets that, for distance viewing, are quite sufficient.
As for the Springtime/Autumn confusion, ah well "C'est la vie" as they say in France. But 'notre Automne est ton Printemps, mes amis!"
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| How the new store will look when open around March 2022 - in the Southern Hemisphere Autumn! |
