Melbourne, 17th May 2018 - Officine Panerai, the Florentine watchmaker has partnered with luxury watch and jewellery retailer Kennedy, to open Panerai’s first Australian boutique.
Located in the western end of Collins Street referred as “New York End” in Melbourne, this exciting joint venture proudly marks the opening of Panerai’s 75th boutique worldwide. Spanish architect and long-standing friend of the brand, Patricia Urquiola was engaged as the architect to design the 60 square metre space.
Having worked on countless Panerai boutiques worldwide, Urquiola ensures each store showcases a functional yet unique design which respects the philosophy of Panerai’s oceanic history and Florentine origins. Patricia together with Kennedy’s Project Team have brought the boutique to life, with features including engraved oak wall panels and burnished brass vitrines, all which aim to compliment the timepieces and latest novelties: Luminor Due - the thinnest and most versatile of Panerai’s creations, Submersible Collection - which draws inspiration from the brand history whilst looking forward to the future, presenting innovative technical solutions, and finally the Lo Scienziato, Luminor 1950 Tourbillon GMT Titanio - featuring an incredibly light titanium case, although still promising a wealth of features.
On Thursday May 17th, an exclusive launch event held in-store to witness the official ribbon cutting, taking place together with Mr. Julio Sato, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Panerai and Mr. James Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of Kennedy Luxury Group. Panerai and Kennedy special guests, clients and media came together to experience a unique evening in celebration of Panerai’s timepieces.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests transferred to a private dinner at a unique residence where Australia’s most prominent chef Shannon Bennett has specially designed a custom menu for the evening, taking inspiration from Panerai’s key brand pillars and long standing legacy.
Guests had the pleasure of experiencing an intimate performance from Australia’s most prominent concert pianist, Mr. David Helfgott. Helfgott's extraordinary pianistic ability became globally admired, following his performance at the 1997 Academy Awards where film Shine, which was inspired by Helfgott’s life, won an Oscar and also received countless nominations.
Guests were also be able to admire the brand’s outstanding identity of classic Italian design through the special display of Panerai’s Dial Evolution and Case Evolution, which were both be displayed at the private residence, specially transported from Panerai’s Manufacture for the event. Panerai and Kennedy look forward to a longstanding partnership brought together by a shared passion for exquisite timepieces.
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