News
Gentle Monster has officially arrived at Melbourne’s iconic Chadstone shopping centre.
On October 10, the Korean-born eyewear brand, known for pushing the boundaries of design and retail, unveils its newest flagship store in the Australian fashion capital, offering a multi-sensory experience for its discerning clientele. Following the success of its residency at Sydney International Airport and its David Jones concession, this Chadstone store brings Gentle Monster’s unique vision to life with an immersive art-meets-technology space.
Behind the Melbourne boutique’s inspiration is an ode to human cognition and personal connection. Its centrepiece, a kinetic sculpture designed by the Gentle Monster Robotics Lab, features three faces that move in a mesmerising dance. Its blinking eyelids, shifting pupils, and subtle head motions invite visitors to explore the complexities and processes of emotion. The installation serves as a thought-provoking centrepiece, reflecting the brand’s ethos of embracing the unexpected.
Among the curation of offerings you’ll find in this new space is a collaboration with Maison Margiela. Following collaborations with Blackpink’s Jennie, Mugler and Tekken 8, this partnership highlights forward design, fusing Gentle Monster’s experimental eyewear with Maison Margiela’s avant-garde craftsmanship. The collection, featuring 17 pieces, includes temple-less designs and artisanal leather-wrapped frames that nod to Margiela’s signature four white cross stitches. Sculptural shapes like the MM101 and MM102 seamlessly wrap around the contours of the face, offering a bold statement for those who like to stand out.
Also featured in the new Chadstone store is Gentle Monster’s permanent Gentle Jelly collection. This line introduces jelly-like details on wrap-around silhouettes, all rendered in a vibrant array of colourways. Striking a balance between functional design and playful aesthetics, Gentle Jelly will surely be a favourite amongst shoppers.
Founded in 2011 by Hankook Kim, Gentle Monster was born from a desire to provide high-quality eyewear to markets that weren’t always adequately catered to. With its experience-led branding and distinctive aesthetic, the brand quickly enraptured eyewear enthusiasts all over the world.
Now, as a household name, it celebrates yet another milestone store opening.
To mark this major victory for Australian retail, Gentle Monster hosted friends of the brand to an exclusive store launch before the grand opening.
With attendees like Maxine Wylde, Rachel Tee Tyler, Yasmin Suteja, Jason Ebeyer and Janelle Han, the event was a testament to the trailblazing community Gentle Monster has cultivated.
Produced by local creative agency THE WOLRD OF, the soiree saw VIPs explore the boutique’s cutting-edge fit-out and ample inventory. Music from 1TBSP, a project from Grammy Award-nominated Australian artist Maxwell Byrne, set the perfect tone for guests to sip on signature ‘jelly’ cocktails created by award-winning mixologist Joe Jones from renowned CBD hotspot Purple Pit. Followed by a ‘mini menu’ of plant-based hors d’oeuvres like sliders, tacos and lucite lollipops, friends had plenty to toast to this momentous occasion.
From October 10, the Gentle Monster Chadstone store will be open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Monday to Wednesday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on Thursday to Saturday and 10:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sundays. The store can be found at Shop G-011, Ground Level in Chadstone Shopping Centre, Melbourne.
Get a sneak peek into the evening courtesy of guest Josh Carroll:
Discover more on the official website of Gentle Monster here.
