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CELINE Pop Up in Queens Plaza, Brisbane on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Photo by Claudia Baxter / The Photo Pitch

Paris may have the Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint Honoré boutiques, but over 16,000 kilometres away, Celine is offering their Brisbane-based sartorial adherents their very own moment of sartorial reverence.

Inside the luxuriate laden QueensPlaza mall, the French maison is bringing a touch of their signature gold chrome interiors and vintage spirit to a city with an appetite for destruction—see, those looking to do some damage to the plastic in fuelling their Hedi Slimane fix.

As time has proven over and over again, French savoir-faire is a mood apt for any locale, and on the tiled floor of Brisbane’s premiere shopping destination, Celine has offered this in spades.

Or, should we say, in a stellar melange of leather goods ranging from the perennial favourite Triomphe handbag in every flavour imaginable to this writer’s personal favourite: the Ava bag (courtesy of our shared namesake, of course).

To celebrate Celine’s inaugural presence in the sunshine state, the maison celebrated with French fanfare by inviting those close to the brand on an intimate trip nothing short of a sartorial odyssey.

Amongst those on the pilgrimage to uncover the latest Celine object of their affection was none other than Sydney-based fashion icon, Violet Grace Atkinson.

Atkinson is a mainstay in international street style guide around the world thank’s to her no holds barred approach to styling the most covetable new-season items.

Reporting live from the ground—and her top-of-our-wishlist biker Chelsea boots—Atkinson and her trusted Celine varsity jacket divulges the details of the trip from the inner sanctum of her travel diary, proving that any voyage taken in pursuit of Celine in one worth taking.

Below, Atkinson’s whirlwind 36-hours in Brisbane with Celine.

All images and quotes courtesy of Violet Grace Atkinson.

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“Having been at a work event late the night before, I shrugged on my Celine bomber and Triomphe cross-body bag (my chosen companion for this trip) and stumbled out the door to the early-morning airport transfer that would whisk me onto a 9am flight.”

“At the airport, my friends (Jess and Tom) and I were sporting matching suitcases and accessories so we ambled through the terminal looking like somewhat of a fashionable cult. Honestly: vibe.”
“Upon hitting the sunny (and humid) Queensland tarmac, it was straight into RnR, art and shopping which began by checking in at the chic Calile Hotel.”
“The day truly began over lunch which consisted of crudités salads, French fries, iced teas, Diet Cokes and a little fashion gossip (equally as satiating) with Ella, Lauren and Jess. Also, peep the matching bags.”

“Next stop was the highly anticipated Celine pop-up store in Queens Plaza, Brisbane City. Having seen a few Brisbane friends go in already, I was eager to see it for myself and it did not disappoint.”
“Us Sydney kids descended upon it like seagulls on a chip (this is an apt reference given we are in Queensland after all) and it was no holds barred to try on everything in the store. Jess reached for hair clips, I reached for sunglasses.”
“Queensland does not have a Celine flagship so this store provides the first opportunity for locals to try everything in person which is a delight.”
“After some retail therapy was had, we returned to the hotel (look at how chic the room is) and I decided to add some drama to my makeup for a chic dinner that was planned.”
“Dinner and drinks were at Japanese restaurant hôntô which had the chicest (and very Celine-esque) chandeliers scattered about the room. My favourite thing on the menu was the coral trout sashimi with sweet ginger and horseradish – chopsticks were flying to get the last piece from the share plate.”
“The following day, breakfast was by the Calile pool and then Jess and I decided to explore Fortitude Valley in search of a good matcha. Our combat boots took us to Nodo on this quest, Jess thought it was good. I’m a matcha novice so I will not comment (give me an oat piccolo any day). “
“After shooting our looks (we are fashion girlies after all), we reluctantly vacated our heavenly hotel rooms and set up by the pool to soak up some of the Queensland warmth. The famous Hellenika zucchini chips were ordered and laptops were flipped open to answer some overdue emails. My new favourite Triomphe hat was also propped on my head to diligently offer some respite from the rays. “
“At 3pm we were whisked back to the airport and boarded our flights south. Such a beautiful trip!”

Celine Brisbane pop-up runs through to 31st  July at Brisbane’s luxury hub, Queens Plaza.