ONE of the world's biggest fashion houses opened its doors in style with the kingdom's fashionistas and trendsetters joining in to celebrate the opening of its first designer boutique in Moda Mall.
More than 200 guests attended the jazzy affair as The Versace Group in conjunction with Asia Jewellers Group launched the store last week.
The Italian brand, founded by late fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1978, is all about grandiose elegance and decadent European-style glamour, not to mention an irreverent rock-star attitude.
Donatella Versace took the reigns of the luxurious brand after the passing of her brother and maintained the label's aesthetic - eclectic colours, sensuous fabrics and clingy silhouettes for a bold, raw look.
The men's collection, which was launched first, has a similar quality with slim, sharp cuts and a reverence for the styles of the 1970s and 1980s.
Covering a retail area of over 250 square metres, the Versace boutique is strikingly modern, streamlined and elegant throughout.
The architectural features of the store echoes the same stylistic guidelines adopted for the most recent important Versace flagship boutiques worldwide. Black Italian marble and matt white ceilings create a modish feel within the boutique allowing the Versace brands to really stand out.
A Versace Group spokesman said: "We are looking to create an environment where the architecture of the store supports the presentation of our collections in a way which is modern, refined and accessible to our customers.
"This new boutique in Bahrain is the perfect showcase for our new approach to retail, which is designed to make shopping at Versace both inspirational and accessible.
"As a very important part of Versace's 2008 expansion plan, the Versace Bahrain boutique demonstrates our strong commitment to this strong growing Middle Eastern market."
The boutique carries the full range of Versace women and men collections and accessories including a complete line of shoes, bags and belts as well as Versace eyewear and Versace watches.
India and Middle East area manager of Versace, Shadi Ghaddar said: "I am sure Versace is going to do very well in Bahrain as already there is a massive turnout as you can see from the opening. Bahrain is filled with people of quality and substance who crave luxury. Versace is luxury, born from luxury.
"I would have to say that the more popular items with customers are the evening dresses and the couture bags."
Versace has already captured the hearts of its many Middle Eastern followers. Lidwina Trossmann, a translator from Adliya, said: "The Versace boutique was very fresh and modern. I felt very much at ease and absolutely loved the new collection.
"I also thought the opening was very well done and organised beautifully with the candles, assortment of flowers and mellow music. The boutique simply oozes a friendly vibe which encourages you to shop. I am looking forward to shopping there in the near future."
Rania Al Saihati, an businesswoman from Saudi Arabia, was also impressed by the opening and has always been a Versace fan.
She said: " I personally am in love with Versace. The opening was simply magical as the setting was dramatic and executed beautifully.
"The music was very calming and it fits the style of Versace. The lay-out of the boutique was light and not cluttered or overwhelming. The clothing is exquisite and the atmosphere delightful.
"Basically, the whole thing made you feel complete ... there's also this metallic layered dress that I have my eyes on and I think it would make for a great buy."
