An Extraordinary Shop with an Extraordinary Story
TORONTO, March 14, 2014 /CNW/ - In May 2013, Holt Renfrew, Canada's luxury specialty retailer, launched H Project, a unique in-store shop of extraordinary products with extraordinary stories, led by Alexandra Weston, Holt Renfrew's Director of Brand Strategy. H Project's offerings support culture, craft and artisans globally as well as products made from sustainable or responsible materials and that tie back to a charitable initiative. This season, Alexandra Weston collaborated with designer Waris Ahluwalia, founder of House of Waris, to 'uncrate' the special stories, richness and diversity of India through its products.
"The idea behind the 'uncrate' concept is to showcase the incredible products of different cultures and support the continuation of these crafts around the world. We began with India and sought to explore the artisanal depth and discover the extraordinary products of the country and tell their extraordinary stories within our H Project shops," said Alexandra Weston. "We partnered with Waris Ahluwalia as he truly embodies the romance, vibrant culture and sophistication of India."
Alexandra Weston and Waris Ahluwalia journeyed through India, visiting Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur & Mandawa and selected enchanting products, from block-print textiles and batik silk scarves to hand-woven rugs and precious gemstones. These spectacular pieces from over 16 designers, along with an exclusive jewellery capsule collection from the House of Waris, will be available as part of an Uncrate India collection, launching April 1, 2014 within Holt Renfrew's H Project shops across Canada.
"We went on a mission of discovery. Seeking out great talents, incredible objects, fresh interpretations of ancient ideas and products that transcend borders," said Waris Ahluwalia. "H Project allows us to continue to support traditional techniques and share our passion for craftsmanship with the world."
Holt Renfrew's H Project spaces at Bloor Street, Yorkdale, Calgary and Vancouver will transform into Uncrate India shops from April 1 until May 31, 2014. The shop will support UNICEF's lifesaving work for children in India with a $15,000 donation to support local initiatives.
About Holt Renfrew
Celebrating a 177-year heritage, Holt Renfrew is recognized worldwide for an inspired shopping experience. Once a purveyor of fashion to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Holt Renfrew began in 1837 as a modest hat shop in Quebec. Over the years the brand developed and expanded across Canada. In the 1930's Holt Renfrew began exclusive accounts with some of the best designers in Europe and in 1947 hosted Monsieur Christian Dior when he launched his "New Look." After many years of foreign ownership Holt Renfrew was bought in 1986 by W. Galen and the Hon. Hilary M. Weston. Under their ownership Holt Renfrew has become Canada's destination for luxury retail. Holt Renfrew has 10 stores across the country in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto. Visit us at www.holtrenfrew.com.
Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy, part of the Holt Renfrew & Co. collection (Montreal) are part of Selfridges Group. With extensive know-how and experience in operating luxury fashion retail stores, Selfridges Group owns and operates leading heritage banners in key markets around the world, including Brown Thomas in Ireland; de Bijenkorf in The Netherlands; Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy, part of the Holt Renfrew & Co. collection in Canada, and Selfridges in the United Kingdom. Selfridges Group is a family owned business, W. Galen Weston is Chairman.
Image with caption: "Holt Renfrew's Director of Brand Strategy, Alexandra Weston with Waris Ahluwalia at a carpet studio in Jaipur, India (CNW Group/Holt Renfrew)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140314_C5239_PHOTO_EN_37952.jpg
SOURCE: Holt Renfrew
Blaire Borins
Holt Renfrew PR
416.960.2946
[email protected]
Share this article