Le Louvre

The oldest of the old-school retailers, Le Louvre left its premises of over 80 years in 2010 for new digs south of the Yarra.

Fluoro pink is the highlight of choice and is everywhere. Mirrored stairs and a glass staircase provide an amazing central beacon, the kind of architectural juxtaposition you’d expect from an old master made new. The inclusion of graffiti by artist Dan Wenn seems a little heavy handed, as if desperate to capture the youth, but will no doubt provide the requisite and ironic feel that makes shopping for Galliano, Lanvin or Giles Deacon pieces that little bit edgy.

Although their Daly Street location isn't right in the centre of the action, stocking some of the best designers and offering superior buying taste will certainly curb any hesitation of the off-Chapel position. When you’ve been doing this as long as Le Louvre, these kinds of things don’t seem so risky as they feel like the setting of a new trend for the moneyed and fabulous of tomorrow.