Australian ready-to-wear fashion label Acler has opened its first-ever retail store at the Strand Arcade in Sydney on September 1.
Acler cited a 40% share of online sales in NSW compared to nationally over the last 12 months for the move into Sydney.
Brand co-founders Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto listed a retail store as one of the many reasons they started Acler, “with the dream to one day expand the brand into retail and directly connect with customers.”
The new retail store includes three-dimensional draping and will sell its full range of ready-to-wear, as well as new product categories in bridal and jewellery.
“As the brand expanded, we started seeing incredible high-profile people wearing Acler, including Beyonce and Emily Blunt, but for us it’s always been about seeing it ‘in real life’ on people we don’t know,” Ritorto said. “That was one of the moments for us when we knew we had created something special.”
The co-founders also cited Strand Arcade’s current bridal and ready-to-wear offering as the reason for its store opening there.
Acler’s specialty Bridal Edit will launch alongside each seasonal collection from November 23.
Acler was launched eight years ago and has since scaled globally. It has a staff and studio headquarters in Adelaide, with stockists in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, China and the Middle East.
Both Forth and Ritorto act as creative directors.
“Ultimately, we want our valued customers to feel beautiful and empowered when they wear an Acler piece,” the duo said. “Our garments are designed with traditional, couture-inspired techniques, and the attention to detail is manifested across the exterior and interior of every piece – every element including the detailing and linings needs to exude a luxurious mood.”