A Luxury Shopping Experience Awaits At SA Designer’s New Store

In July of 2012, D Unknown did an interview with Hendrik Vermeulen.

Picture the scene: You walk into the boutique nestled in a 19th century building within the historical Heritage Square and take in the interiors, combining the antique trend of days gone by with a stylish and modern twist. The muffled and cozy atmosphere oozes luxury and comfort. Your eye is drawn to the sparkling jeweler, brightly colored silk scarves, tempting high heels and tantalizing hand bags carefully displayed in beautiful Victorian teak and glass cabinets lit by warm lighting.

You are drawn to the rails of proudly South African hand-made clothing and are welcomed by the front of the house team, Jean-Daniel Meyer-Vermeulen and his assistant, who will help you to decide which outfit would make you the one who everybody’s eyes follow across the room. Through a glass door to the production room, you can steal a glance at the designer couture being sewn together by a dedicated team of specialized dressmakers.

While you mull over the exquisite choices, you are offered refreshments from the coffee bar and then able to relax on the high chairs covered in crocodile skin-like purple velvet or on the designer couch while the team of attentive staff help you to choose accessories to match your item of fine couture. When, and only when you are entirely satisfied, an assistant will carefully wrap your purchases whilst the integrated iPad sales system takes care of the other important business.

This is the kind of shopping experience you can expect at the boutique store of local designer and master couturier Hendrik Vermeulen. While he continues to create gorgeous gowns for the discerning clientele, Hendrik will soon be releasing his first Prêt-à-Porter range, labeled “Simply Vermeulen”, to be sold exclusively in his flagship boutique at 79 Hout Lane in the Cape Town CBD.

Collaboration with MORE Made-to-Measure sees the store include a range catering exclusively for the discerning “Monsieur’s”, including suits, shirts, waistcoats, ties and bowties. With this new range, coupled with Simply Vermeulen men’s Resort Wear; men will have no excuse but to be dressed to

kill. The boutique will also stock classic items in a range called “Les Essentiels”, which will include blouses, skirts and trousers delicately handmade for everyday wear.

For the ultimate experience, an alterations service while you wait or for collection the very next day will be available and if it occurs that you are unable to find your size in the garment of your choice; you can still have it made to your specifications from the “Couture” department, leaving you with a one of a kind, made to order piece from the latest collection.

Hendrik Vermeulen Boutique will be officially open on the 1st of February 2013 during a private gathering and will open its doors to the public on the 4th of February 2013 at 79 Hout Lane, corner of Hout and Bree Street in Cape Town CBD. For more information, email to info@hendrikvermeulen.com or call the National line: 0861 LOVE HV (568 348) – +27 (21) 4241686. Parking: follow Van Riebbeck Square.