Oakridge Park Announces Luxury Lessees Maison Margiela, Miu Miu & More

Vancouver’s Oakridge Park is Canada‘s most significant redevelopment endeavour, is set to redeﬁne the city’s retail landscape, unveiling the inaugural brands that will be part of this world-class destination – Maison Margiela, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Brunello Cucinelli, Moncler, Versace, and Max Mara.

Upon completion, Oakridge Park will offer a curated selection of premium global brands across apparel, beauty, jewelry, watches, home décor, lifestyle and wellness, alongside exceptional culinary experiences.

The first stand-alone luxury fashion boutiques announced at Oakridge Park will also include Miu Miu, Christian Louboutin and Alexander Wang, with more to follow throughout the year.

These vanguards of style and sophistication will anchor the top-tier retail experience totalling 650,000-square-feet.

“In the world of luxury retail, Oakridge Park in Vancouver stands out as a global exemplar. Located in one of the most livable cities, it features a unique nine-acre park at its heart, blending nature with the fusion of East and West cultures for an unparalleled experience that will further build our economy, and attract diverse consumer bases from around the world,” said Andy Clydesdale, Executive Vice President of Global Retail at QuadReal Property Group.

The announcement of Maison Margiela’s inclusion in the Oakridge Mall relaunch serves as a fitting backdrop for honouring its Creative Director, British couturier John Galliano‘s remarkable journey. His triumphant return to the fashion world at the helm of Maison Margiela has captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY

Growing up in Gibraltar, Galliano was exposed to a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. The melting pot of influences—from Spanish flamenco dancers to British colonial architecture—instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and a keen eye for detail.

From an early age, Galliano exhibited a flair for the dramatic and a penchant for creativity. His mother, Anita, a flamboyant woman with a love for fashion and theatrics, encouraged his artistic pursuits, nurturing his burgeoning talent and instilling a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world of design.

Despite his natural inclination towards fashion, Galliano’s path to success was not without its challenges. Growing up in a conservative Catholic household, he faced resistance from his parents, who viewed a career in fashion as frivolous and impractical.

However, Galliano’s unwavering determination and creative vision propelled him forward, fueling his ambition to pursue his dreams against all odds.

At the age of 16, Galliano left Gibraltar to attend the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, where he studied fashion design and honed his craft under the guidance of renowned mentors. During his time at Central Saint Martins, Galliano began to distinguish himself as a rising star in the fashion world, showcasing his prodigious talent and boundless creativity.

In 1984, Galliano graduated with top honours, earning critical acclaim for his groundbreaking graduate collection, ‘Les Incroyables.‘ Inspired by the lavish costumes of the French Revolution, the collection showcased Galliano’s mastery of technique and his ability to marry historical references with contemporary design sensibilities.

After graduation, Galliano wasted no time making a name for himself in the competitive fashion world. His early collections, characterized by their theatricality and opulence, captivated audiences and earned him a reputation as a visionary designer with an avant-garde sensibility.

In 1987, Galliano launched his eponymous label, garnering attention for his bold aesthetic and innovative approach to design. His theatrical runway presentations became legend, transporting audiences to fantastical worlds filled with drama, romance, and intrigue.

By the early 1990s, Galliano had firmly established himself as a rising star in the London fashion scene, winning prestigious awards and attracting the attention of industry insiders.

In 1995, he was appointed creative director of Givenchy, marking a significant milestone in his career and cementing his status as a fashion icon.

In 1996, Galliano moved to Paris to helm the prestigious fashion house of Christian Dior, succeeding the legendary designer Gianfranco Ferré. Some in the fashion establishment met his appointment with skepticism, questioning whether Galliano’s flamboyant aesthetic would be a good fit for the storied French Maison. However, Galliano quickly silenced his critics with a series of stunning collections that breathed new life into the venerable house of Dior.

Drawing inspiration from art, history, and culture, Galliano’s designs celebrated beauty and excess, showcasing his unparalleled skill as a couturier and his ability to push the boundaries of fashion. Throughout his tenure at Dior, Galliano dazzled audiences with his theatrical runway shows and unapologetically romantic vision of femininity.

His creations were worn by some of the world’s most stylish women, including celebrities, socialites, and royalty, further solidifying his status as one of the most influential designers of his generation.

Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Galliano’s career faced a significant setback in 2011, leading to his departure from Dior and a period of reflection and rehabilitation. The incident, which garnered widespread attention, prompted Galliano to step back from the public eye and focus on addressing personal challenges, including struggles with addiction and mental health. During this time, he dedicated himself to self-improvement and preparing for a potential return to the fashion world.

In 2014, Galliano triumphantly returned to the fashion world with his appointment as Creative Director of Maison Margiela, a renowned Belgian fashion house known for its avant-garde designs and deconstructed aesthetic. However, some questioned whether he deserved a second chance after his highly publicized fall from grace.

However, Galliano wasted no time proving his critics wrong, delivering a series of critically acclaimed collections showcasing his unrivalled talent and creative vision. Drawing inspiration from art, architecture, and technology, Galliano’s designs for Maison Margiela were a bold departure from the past, pushing the boundaries of fashion and challenging conventional notions of beauty and style.

Under Galliano’s leadership, Maison Margiela experienced a creative renaissance, attracting a new generation of fashion-forward consumers and cementing its status as a leading force in the industry. Today, Galliano’s legacy looms large in the fashion world, and his influence is felt in every stitch and seam of the garments he created.

From his early days as a struggling designer in London to his triumphant return to the runway at Maison Margiela, Galliano’s career has been a testament to the transformative power of creativity and resilience. Though his journey has been marked by controversy and hardship, Galliano’s enduring passion for couture and unwavering commitment to his craft have earned him a place among the industry’s greatest luminaries.

His bold aesthetic and visionary approach to design continue to inspire designers, artists, and fashion enthusiasts worldwide, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come. As he once famously said, “Fashion is a reflection of our times, and our times are troubled.” His journey reflects this sentiment in many ways as he navigates the complexities of fame, adversity, and redemption, ultimately emerging as a symbol of resilience and creative genius in an ever-evolving industry.

As Maison Margiela prepares to debut at Oakridge Park, Vancouver’s premier luxury retail destination, the anticipation is palpable.

Author Profile

Kate Pickering: An experienced writer and journalist, Kate Pickering brings to the Folio.YVR team a fresh perspective on what is happening in the world of eco-luxury and elevated retail experiences, and to share the legacy of legendary designers who have made fashion in the 21st century what it is. From the oft-celebrated to those whom history has forgotten, watch for her monthly pieces that will surely ignite interest in the stories of the visionaries who have paved the way for the designers we covet today.