December is traditionally a quieter month on the fashion calendar, a brief pause before the intensity of fashion week season returns in February and March.
Yet even as the year slows, the industry never fully stands still. As 2025 draws to a close, brands are using the moment to set the tone for what comes next, with major announcements, strategic appointments and headline-making launches arriving just in time for summer.
From acquisitions at legacy fashion houses to the revival of pop-ups, seasonally themed launches and the release of covetable holiday accessories, this month’s news signals both reflection and forward momentum. These are the fashion moments closing out the year and shaping the season ahead.
Max Mara’s New Chadstone Flagship
Max Mara has opened a new boutique at Chadstone Shopping Centre, marking the brand’s latest expansion in Australia’s luxury retail landscape. Located in the heart of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest shopping destination, the store brings Max Mara’s unmistakable Italian elegance to one of Melbourne’s most prestigious fashion precincts, joining an edit of the world’s leading luxury houses.
The new space is defined by a refined balance of materials, light and form. Its sculptural façade is crafted in cocciopesto—an iconic Mediterranean material reinterpreted through a contemporary lens—created by artisans from Reggio Emilia, the brand’s birthplace. Slender rods and linear lighting elements form luminous vertical columns, lending depth, movement and a sense of visual rhythm that draws visitors in from the mall.
Inside, a warm, enveloping palette reflects Max Mara’s signature codes, with Calacatta Gold marble and caramel peach–tinted glass complemented by soft camel fabrics, a nod to the house’s iconic coats. The result is a bright, sophisticated and welcoming environment that celebrates Italian craftsmanship, timeless design and the enduring appeal of the Max Mara aesthetic.
NYE At Olympus
Olympus is set to usher in the new year in full celebratory mode, transforming New Year’s Eve into a high-energy, late-night affair that runs well into the early hours. Midnight in the House of Gods will see the venue reimagined as a modern Athenian amphitheatre, with bougainvillea, sculptural stone textures and dramatic lighting drawing all focus to a pulsing central dance floor. The tone is decadent and immersive, designed for those who want to ring in 2026 surrounded by atmosphere, music and movement.
Guests will be treated to roaming plates of bold Greek flavours from arrival, paired with free-flowing drinks that set the pace for the night—beginning with a Four Pillars cocktail on entry and culminating in a midnight toast of Louis Roederer Champagne. Daimon Downey (Sneaky Sound System) will host the celebrations, while DJ Rich Penny (RÜFÜS DU SOL, FISHER) commands the decks with an all-night set, keeping energy high until 2am. Tickets are $299 per person, including food and a three-hour beverage package, with limited capacity ensuring an intimate, high-impact celebration.
Gucci Presents Pre-Fall 2026: Generation Gucci
Shot by Demna as a lookbook for a fictional Gucci show, Generation Gucci explores archival codes through his distinct lens. The lineup spans aged-effect silk tailoring, seamless jeans, pyjama-soft travel suits, and wetsuit-inspired leather.
Feather-light textured coats meet underwear-tinged party pieces and fluid chiffon gowns. Revived 70s and 90s signatures appear in racer jackets, sliced Double G belts, and equestrian silks. Footwear is sleek and sculptural, while iconic bags are reimagined in bold new silhouettes.
Chloé Opens Its First Boutique In Australia
Chloé opens its first Australian boutique on November 27, 2025, bringing the Maison’s signature warmth to 75 Castlereagh Street in Sydney’s luxury district.
The 117 m² space showcases ready-to-wear, leather goods, footwear, and accessories in an inviting blend of limestone, stainless steel, and cognac leather. A curved central wall creates a relaxed, mid-century-inspired flow. The debut marks a meaningful step for Chloé, deepening its connection to the region under Creative Director Chemena Kamali.
Prada Purchases Rival Versace In $2.2 Billion Deal
The Prada Group has officially acquired fellow Milan fashion house Versace in a $2.2 billion deal, bringing two of Italy’s most recognisable luxury labels under one roof. The acquisition places Versace’s high-glamour aesthetic alongside Prada’s cerebral minimalism and Miu Miu’s youth-driven edge. The group confirmed the transaction following full regulatory approval.
The move is expected to revitalise Versace after a period of softer post-pandemic performance under former owner Capri Holdings. Prada heir Lorenzo Bertelli will lead the next phase as executive chair.
Following the news, Dario Vitale stepped down as the creative director of Versace after only eight months at the helm.
Venroy Brings Iggy’s And Piña Potts Point To Bondi
Venroy is bringing two cult Sydney favourites to Bondi for a limited run of summer weekends, transforming its Hall Street store into a hotspot for beachside brews and baked goods.
Running from 9am until sold out across November 29 to 30, December 6 to 7 and December 13 to 14, the pop-up menu features an exclusive Venroy x Iggy’s ‘V’ Feta Twist alongside strawberry kouign-amann, classic and chocolate croissants, baguettes and signature round loaves. Piña will serve its iced oat matcha and cold brew, joined by an exclusive Venroy cold-pressed pomegranate and ginger juice.
Exclusive Venroy x Iggy’s merch will also be available, including a T-shirt, cap and tote. To celebrate opening weekend, the first 50 customers on Saturday will receive a complimentary croissant and matcha.
Where: 20 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW
When: Selected weekends, from 9am until sold out
Booie Beauty Lands In Woolworths
Woolworths has added a playful twist to the weekly shop with the launch of BOOIE Beauty, co-founded by Celeste Barber and Claire Greaves. The 10-piece makeup range champions simple, everyday essentials, from a glow-giving BB cream to a multitasking lip, cheek and eye tint. BOOIE is now available nationwide in-store and online.
Louis Vuitton’s Festive Sydney Pop-Up
Louis Vuitton will open its Holiday Pop-Up at Westfield Sydney from November 18 to December 28, celebrating the Maison’s 2026 Holiday Campaign, Voyage des Lumières.
Located on Level 3, the immersive space will feature illuminated Monogram Flower-inspired installations emerging from signature trunks, alongside a curated edit of women’s bags, small leather goods, accessories, sunglasses and fragrance. The pop-up offers a festive destination for luxury gifting throughout the holiday season.
TMC Fine Jewellers Is Hiding A $10K Ring Somewhere In Melbourne
TMC Fine Jewellers is launching a city-wide scavenger hunt in Melbourne with a $10,000 lab-grown diamond ring up for grabs.
Taking place on Saturday December 6 from 8am, the ‘Through the Looking Glass’ event celebrates the opening of the brand’s first Melbourne showroom. Participants will follow a series of riddles across four locations within a 5km radius, with clues revealed via social media and email. One lucky winner will take home a bespoke engagement ring.
When: Saturday 6th December, 8:00am
Where: The first clue revealing the location of TMC’s Melbourne Flagship Showroom will be shared on social media at 6:00am for the public. Registered participants will receive the clue slightly earlier, giving them a small head start. The scavenger hunt officially begins at 8:00am.
Dario Vitale Exits Versace After Less Than 9 Months
Dario Vitale’s debut collection for Versace, hailed for its ’80s-inspired opulence and nods to Gianni Versace’s iconic tailoring, was a critical success. However, just months after his appointment in April, Vitale’s tenure came to an abrupt end following Prada’s acquisition of Versace.
With his first collection yet to hit retail, fans are left wondering if his vision for the brand will ever materialise in stores.
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