Luxury retailers will come into focus at Ala Moana Center next month with the launch of The Art of Luxury. The new shopping event takes place Aug. 5 to 19 and will feature exclusive experiences at 14 luxury boutiques.
Shoppers will be able to see artisan demonstrations, personalized services, guided tours and other limited-time offerings that provide an "inside look at the design, craftsmanship and traditions behind some of the world's most iconic luxury brands," an announcement from the center noted.
Dana Cutwright, senior manager, property marketing for Ala Moana Center, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions that the shopping center has hosted luxury-focused events in the past and many of its luxury retailers regularly host exclusive events, artisan demonstrations and showcase rare or limited-edition pieces within their stores. But the Art of Luxury is the first time these experiences have been brought together under one program.
"We work closely with our luxury retailers and wanted to share the stories behind their heritage, unique attributes and artistry," Cutwright says. "Each participating boutique has curated distinctive offerings and never-before-experienced activations during this promotion, showcasing the quality of their craftsmanship. Through close collaboration and thoughtful planning, Ala Moana Center is excited to present an event that gives both residents and visitors the opportunity to experience luxury in a more engaging and meaningful way."
Participating brands include Ben Bridge, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Burberry, Canada Goose, Dolce & Gabbana, Grand Seiko, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Montblanc, Panerai, TAG Heuer and Valentino. Find more details here.
"We are continually inspired by the incredible heritage, craftsmanship and creativity of the luxury brands that we are fortunate enough to partner with," Cutwright says when asked about how the idea came about. "Each season, we see the world’s most iconic brands present beautiful new collections. We wanted to share a closer look at the artistry that goes into creating these exceptional pieces and look forward to sharing this experience with the community."
Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 and is the world's largest open-air shopping center with more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space. It offers more than 350 stores and restaurants, and 160 dining options.
It recently landed at No. 2 on the USA Today 10Best list of Best Shopping Centers. You can check out the latest on what's new and what's coming to Ala Moana Center here.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
