For years, talk of fancy shops at Peachtree and Roswell roads in Buckhead has buzzed and abated as the cranes creaked on and off. Finally, as the mixed-use Buckhead Atlanta development fills the longtime hole in the ground, the chatter comes to fruition. Late last week, San Diego–based developer OliverMcMillan announced sixteen retail shops—and they don’t disappoint, even after all this time. Most are small-scale, fairly exclusive brands that tend to expand thoughtfully, and many are opening storefronts in Atlanta and the Southeast for the first time.
The new shopping area (don’t call it a “mall”!) will feature a mix of tippy-top high-end labels and contemporary brands, and promises an open-air, tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly experience. The doors will start to open this September and continue through early 2015. Wallet shame aside, here are the seven shops we’re ready to see in our city.
Christian Louboutin
By now everybody knows the iconic red soles, and you can get them at Saks and Neiman’s. But Louboutin’s shops—well, they’re known for being jaw-dropping jewel boxes themselves, filled with glittering, whimsical, colorful gems called shoes.
Scoop NYC
For him and her, with clothes and accessories, Scoop is like a mini department store. Its flagship in Soho has long been a one-stop shop for New Yorkers from head-to-toe, with lines like Opening Ceremony and Mary Katrantzou. We bet it will become one here, too.
Helmut Lang and Theory
Helmut and Theory, both owned by Japan-based Link Theory Holdings, are basic, contemporary mainstays of a stylish closet, cool and minimalistic but approachable. The creative directors who reinvigorated Helmut Lang eight years ago departed in February, so we’ll have an eye on what happens there next.
Moncler
This is a brand known for its very expensive, very chic puffy coats. Atlanta is nowhere near the slopes and our winters are pretty balmy, but we kinda don’t care. Bienvenue to this French-Italian retailer.
Canali and Akris
Hellooo, power couple. Founded in Switzerland in 1922, Akris makes superluxe suits and separates for the woman who’s got somewhere to be. On her arm is the man in the impeccable suit by Canali, a family-owned Italian line founded in 1934.
Other retailers will include Spanx, Sara Blakely’s Atlanta-based undergarment company, which will build its headquarters and flagship retail shop; Hermès, which will relocate its current shop; Etro, an upscale Italian line known for paisley and pattern; Bella Bag, a local designer-handbag consignment retailer; Brunello Cucinelli, famous for its Italian cashmere; Diptyque, a Parisian perfumer and candle-maker; Jimmy Choo, the shoe retailer, which has a shop at Phipps Plaza; L’Occitane, the French beauty shop; and Tod’s, known for leather goods and shoes. The development also has plans for residences and a dozen restaurants.
