Luxury shopping, artful meals and jeans with a history – an irresistible combination

15.02.2023

by Julia Pott

With a nod to the British Empire, Johannesburg’s Hyde Park neighborhood is named after the prestigious Hyde Park district of London. Its Hyde Park Corner shopping center embraces this prestige and sense of exclusivity, delighting a discerning, affluent audience.

In addition to a broad mix of shopping options, it also includes exciting food concepts, art exhibitions and, for example, a luxury branch of a cinema chain.

As part of the global tour in preparation for EuroShop 2023, Elke Moebius, Director EuroShop/EuroCIS, traveled to South Africa and visited inspiring retail concepts.

Colourful clothes on display in the Cortina Fashion Court at Hyde Park Corner; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

This distinct retailing center has become a standard for fashion-conscious boutique shopping since its founding in 1969 – indeed, South Africa’s first integrated mall. The recent opening of Cortina Fashion Court at Hyde Park Corner now presents a flair for excitement with an excellent mix of exclusive international fashion icons, according to the store management.

A black sculpture in the corridors of the mall; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

The works of various South African artists are displayed in the mall, including these sculptures.

A colourful sculpture in Hyde Park Corner Mall; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

The mall also hosts the annual Rotary International Art Fair.

Another artistic sculpture in black; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

The self-description on the mall's website matches this: Hyde Park Corner is a center for discerning shoppers and houses more luxury brands than any other shopping location in Africa, according to the center's management.

Customers appreciate it when retailers and mall operators create experiences, create a feel-good atmosphere and offer spaces that are a pleasure to spend time in. At EuroShop, The World's Leading Retail Trade Fair, you can learn how to inspire visitors with gastronomic offers, events or retail design.

For the exclusive taste, visually and gastronomically

Like any self-respecting shopping center, the gastronomic offer is not neglected.

The café Le Parc by tashas with occupied tables and a tree in the room; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

An example of this is the very popular café Le Parc by tashas. The design of the flagship café of the tashas chain creates a light, airy and yet elegant atmosphere in which it is easy to linger.

The Art Nouveau glass art under the ceiling of the café Le Parc by tashas; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

In addition to many beautiful details and a successful overall ambience, the Art Nouveau glass art under the ceiling is a special highlight.

Close-up of a dish on a glass plate; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

One description of the city guide 'In Your Pocket' even goes so far as to hold founder, Natasha Sideris, responsible for a change in the eating habits of Johannesburg citizens – and for the better: Until now, it says, for Johannesburgers, salad had been served at most as a garnish for dishes.

The authenticity of denim

Another special feature is the store and the history of Tshepo Jeans.

Portrait of designer Tshepo Mohlala; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

South African designer Tshepo Mohlala specializes in denim. With his brand, Tshepo is committed not only to the advancement of denim and jeans fashion, but also to the promotion of Africanism and localism.

View through the entrance into Tshepo Store; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

As soon as you enter the store, it's clear that this store has a character to experience.

Modern store design at Tshepo Store; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

An interesting, modern store design offers plenty of opportunity to marvel.

The principles of Tshepo are written on a wooden wall; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

One wall explains the principles: “Our decision to specialize in denim is due to its distinctly nostalgic character and its ability to tell stories. It’s not just stories, it’s the truth. Your jeans tell the story about you”, is explained on Tshepo's homepage.

Tshepo in conversation with Elke Moebius; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Moebius

And through his brand, Tshepo (here with Elke Moebius) also tells his own story. The logo, a three-pronged crown, represents the three women who made him the man he is today, Tshepo says on his website: “My mother, Masesi Mamba, who taught me how to hustle. My grandmother, an Apostle and masterful storyteller, whose words ‘Tshepo, you’re a gentleman and should always look like one’ echo in my head as I get dressed every morning. Then there is trendy aunt, Takalani, the first person to graduate in our neighborhood. She would visit us in Tsakane dressed head-to-toe in denim”.