When is the new Monsoon Ladies opening?
The grand opening of the new Monsoon Ladies is on 23 and 24 June. The shop is not actually larger in size, but the layout is infinitely more 'shopper-friendly'. It is all on one floor, and the shop is wide as opposed to long and narrow like the existing one, with two lovely windows and a wide entrance. But what we feel will make the most difference is the fact that it is a stand-alone, and not connected to Children and Accessorize. This will ensure a much more serene shopping experience, where the customers can get exclusive treatment in the right environment. On 17 September, we will open the new 'occasion shop', which leads to the next question...
What will happen to Monsoon Children and Accessorize?
Monsoon Children will be moving from the existing 29 square metres store on the corner into two-thirds of the current Ladies space. Both Accessorize and - even more so - Monsoon Children in Bisazza Street are desperate for more floor area, and we are creating this by removing the Ladies space from the main store. This way, the Children's store can house the full kids' range, and people can shop in a much more spacious area, which is particularly important because customers are often pushing buggies or have children with them so the larger area is necessary for a good shopping experience.
Accessorize will be allocated the upstairs area, above the existing floor space, which was previously used to house the Monsoon Ladies evening-wear range. This will become an Accessorize 'concept store'. In summer, it will be an area completely dedicated to beach wear and everything that goes with it, like flip-flops, beach-bags, hats, etc. In November, it will be a 'back to school' space, with an emphasis on stationary, backpacks and the like, and in December it will be dedicated to Christmas, showcasing decorations, gifts, etc. The little store that was previously used for Monsoon Children will be converted into an exclusive occasion wear shop, a one-stop-shop for anybody looking for a special piece for an occasion. Monsoon is well-known for spectacular evening wear and we are very excited that we will have a space dedicated to those special pieces that should make shopping easier for the customer and also enable us to give a different vibe to the Tigné Street store, which will stock the casual and smart collection.
How would you describe the collection, and the type of person who wears Monsoon Ladies?
The summer range is just made for Malta's weather and lifestyle. Fabrics are light and breathable, there are gorgeous prints and colours and every occasion is covered - whether you want to look fabulous on the beach, for a summer evening out or at a glamorous wedding or party. Jumpsuits, kaftans, maxi dresses and spectacular outfits with trademark embroidery and beading are everywhere in the range.
The Monsoon customer want something special, something that makes her look different and feel fabulous when she's wearing it, but is still very affordable. The effortless chic and boho vibe that is such a big part of the brand's DNA is spot on for Maltese summers, when people want to look wonderfully stylish in a natural way. We have just returned from the A/W 17 Press day in the UK and the Collection is just to die for. Unstructured coats (perfect for Maltese weather), luxe velvet in black and jewel colours, suede, fur, embellished denim and knitwear and relaxed suiting all feature in the collection and we can't wait to have it all in our stores!
What are the best pieces from the summer collection?
We love the white, wide-leg summer trousers, the crochet coloured maxi, the striped, three-quarter length jumpsuit with straps, the military waistcoat, the printed maxi in gorgeous colours and the printed wide leg jumpsuit with shoulder detail - just perfect for any dressy summer occasion!
