Since their inception, concept stores have indelibly moulded cities. Milan’s Corso Como, Paris’ Colette and, globally, Dover Street Market have all been emblematic of the cultural zeitgeist of the metropolis. Presenting artistic and well-considered curations of captivating luxury brands, these stores deliver an experience far beyond the usual retail offering. Longtime admirers of these luxury concept models and local fashion tastemakers, Edward and Constance von Dadelszen, are introducing a new era of luxury to New Zealand, with the highly anticipated opening of their retail emporium Faradays. 

Situated at 8 Faraday Street in Parnell, the 550 square metre flagship opens the doors to its brick-and-mortar location today. This exciting opening, made possible now that the government has moved the Auckland region into a less restricted alert level, comes after the extremely successful online launch of its e-commerce arm on the 8th of October.

Now, customers can experience in person the luxurious escape for the senses that the Faradays team has set out to provide — the calibre of which has never been seen before on our shores. Introducing a multi-faceted fashion and lifestyle experience, the offering encompasses some of the world’s most sought-after brands, including Givenchy, Loewe and Alexandre Vauthier, Christian Louboutin and Giuseppe Zanotti, along with the von Dadelszen’s own, lauded eponymous label. Faradays is also the first in the Southern Hemisphere to offer the legendary house of Alaïa. 

Of course, fashionable concept stores are not just about the clothes. There is a curation of stylish homeware brands, including linen from Saved NY. For intimates, find a sophisticated range of lingerie and sleepwear from La Perla and Bordelle. As well as premium beauty brands to explore, is evocative parfum to spritz from Hermetica, Roja, Loewe and Xerjoff.

Designed by Cheshire Architects, the emporium delivers the ultimate in elegant, full-service retail experiences, with bouquets available from in-house florist Grace + Flora, artworks to purchase from Gow Langsford Gallery, a selection of Dina Broadhurst’s most iconic limited-edition prints and — another Southern Hemisphere first — a dedicated Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame bar, with Dom Pérignon and Krug Champagne also pouring.

“We wanted to create an iconic retail experience that becomes a beacon of luxury in the Antipodes,” says Edward von Dadelszen, Co-founder and CEO. Thanks to the exquisite taste of those at the helm, Faradays is an incredibly exciting retail proposition indeed. 

Here we introduce some of the iconic luxury brands that will call Faradays home, as it welcomes us into its beautiful flagship.

Alaïa
Tunisian couturier Azzedine Alaïa was known for his celebration and understanding of the female form, a thread that remains woven strongly within the brand today, now with Creative Director Pieter Mulier at the helm. In an exciting Antipodean exclusive, Faradays welcomes ready-to-wear pieces from Alaïa’s ‘Editions’ collection — inspired by Maison Alaïa’s cult-status pieces, spanning decades of collections. The full ready-to-wear collection is also available in-store to coincide with the 11th of November opening.

Christian Louboutin
Denoted by and coveted for their iconic red-lacquered soles, Christian Louboutin’s shoes are a globally recognised symbol of fashion-led sensuality. The brand has arrived just in time for party season — find limited-edition sandals and sneakers as well as timeless cult-classics, like the sky-high, black ‘So Kate’ pump.

Alexandre Vauthier
For those who don’t shy away from glamour, Alexandre Vauthier’s extraordinary pieces are the masterful work of a designer who first trained as a couturier. At Faradays, embellished Vauthier accessories catch the light, while a thoughtful edit of ready-to-wear pieces is classic with a high-fashion twist, and a selection of the brand’s incredible footwear is also available.

Giuseppe Zanotti
This world-famous Italian footwear brand has long been a favourite of the fashion and entertainment industry’s elite. Melding luxurious craftsmanship with a streetwear sensibility, Giuseppe Zanotti’s heels, boots and sneakers are the perfect finishing touch to any ensemble, and at Faradays there are both pared-back, refined styles and showstopping stompers to be found.

Givenchy
The heritage French fashion house has long held sensuous elegance and meticulous craftsmanship as core tenets. Creative Director Matthew M Williams is adept at creating left-of-centre, yet instantly cult favourite, accessories — case in point is the sharply angular Cut Out bag, available at Faradays, along with other accessories and a full ready-to-wear collection of men’s and womenswear pieces, making for a comprehensive offering indeed.

Loewe
With Jonathan Anderson at the helm, Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe is one of the most distinctive contemporary brands in the world today, known for iconic leather goods and groundbreaking ready-to-wear collections. Initially stocking its candles and fragrance collections, new season pieces of ready-to-wear have now arrived in the boutique as it opens.

Underneath It All
Luxury lingerie brands are also on hand to ensure what lies underneath is just as decadent as what the world sees. These include Italian brand La Perla, famed for its exquisite craftsmanship and detailing, and luxe-bondage-inspired pieces by British label Bordelle. Highlights within the homeware selection are Ginori 1735, of which Faradays is the exclusive New Zealand retailer, with the limited-edition LCDC collection of home scents and candles; hand-blown Murano glass from Stories of Italy; and New York-designed, Mongolian-made artisanal blankets from Saved NY.

If you wish to be kept in the know with all the luxurious happenings at Faradays, make sure to follow @faradays.store