It is not often that I walk into a store in Sydney and am immediately welcomed; the usual practice in high end retail in Sydney, being something between icy disdain and glancing politeness, with deference, usually being reserved for repeat customers, or highly identifiable celebrities. Today was the exception to that experience as I walked into the new Lladro store, situated behind the Queen Victoria building, on York street, where I was welcomed Ching & Renee Claire Smith Rankin. Not only were they a distinct and gracious representation of a brand
I have long collected and gifted others from, but just generally respectful, engaging and kind. Ching, though fully aware that I was simply window-shopping, took me through the collections, in this beautiful gallery, whilst explaining the modern additions, the traditional more feminine
& romantic perceptions of LLadro and the modern, yet timeless collaborations created with such notables as world renowned artist, Marcel Wanders. Whilst admiring the newer additions to the brand, Renee, was kind enough to produce a showcase housing their exquisite findings, all created from their trademark hand wrought Porcelain, in various hues to compliment every design palette and every aesthetic. The collections included many Pantheistic & religious artefacts, each of which, Ching obliged the history of, in great detail. Not only was this a most wonderful experience, it reminded me of the countless many places I have purchased their brand from, like Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco or Geary's In Los Angeles, or on the Rue de la Boetie in Paris, or from Harrods, where each purchase became an addition to what has now become a time-held tradition in my family. If you are in search of a beautiful addition to your home, to your decor, or simply something to remind you that beauty is the greatest form of inspiration, please don't look further than one of their magnificent lamps or statues, which is the very hallmark of excellence. Oh and ask for Ching or Renee, they will bring a smile to your face. read more