Fashion dances to a new beat at Highpoint

Thursday morning I was thrilled to be able to start the day in a shopping centre so close to home that I have been eagerly awaiting the unveiling of. Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne was launching their new fashion precinct after 4 years in the making and 2 years in construction, the $300 million dollar development is set to become the newest and most fashionable address for all your shopping needs. 

Hosted by TV presenter of The Project, Carrie Bickmore welcomed crowds gathered to be amongst the first to walk through the new shops boasting David Jones, Topshop, Topman, Gorman, Oroton, Superglue and more to follow with Zara opening next week and more international retailers set to open up shop here. It was no wonder that the Maribynong Mayor Catherine Cummings (pictured in the green dress) spoke of the pride she has for such an established complex opening up in the western suburbs which is usually overlooked as second class. I second that enthusiasm and believe it is a great confidence booster for the local community- who have now been given a first class facility.

Paul Zara CEO of David Jones was also excited that he was about to open a brand new two levels 14,000 square metres David Jones store, the first in Melbourne's West. And with him to help with the proceedings was David Jones ambassador and all round gorgeous beauty, Megan Gale who looked flawless as always. How does she do it so early in the morning?

We were then given a bit of a fashion preview with what's on offer at Highpoint and the current trends by stylist Virginia Dowzer and I was happy to see it was all about colour. I don't know how Melbournians will cope with that given their 'all black' obsession, but I hope it is embraced with open closets!

And then the official plaque was unveiled by GPT co-owners and Mayor Catherine Cummings, heralding a new era in shopping, followed by the ribbon cutting at David Jones by Megan Gala and Paul Zara. Then all that was left to do was go in and shop! And so they did! It was incredibly exciting to feel the anticipation in the air and it was a pleasure being shown around the complex by Highpoint Development Manager Mark Pheely who spoke of his passion for the project as well as their attention to detail, thinking about their consumer and how to make them best feel at home. Speaking of home- it was such a long day for me, I arrived there at 8am and didn't leave till about 9pm! That is a record for me for the most I have EVER spent at a shopping centre but testament to the development that I never felt like I wanted to leave as it was a welcoming space, with comfortable leather lounges to rest my weary legs, and plenty of visual stimulation and good food along the way! I'll be doing another post on the actual complex itself as there is so much to see and the fashion parades as well. But if you are in Melbourne and haven't done so already- come on down- it really will be a High Point in your day!