RODD & GUNN UNVEILS GLOBAL FLAGSHIP AT 280 LITTLE COLLINS STREET

Rodd & Gunn

A four-storey fusion of retail, hospitality and heritage reimagines Melbourne's luxury landscape.

Rodd & Gunn, the leading New Zealand brand renowned for its refined style and hospitality, is thrilled to announce its most ambitious project yet - a global flagship at 280 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. A melding of fashion, dining, design and history, all housed within an iconic heritage destination, the landmark launch will open to the public this October, 2025.

The unveiling follows the debut of Mecca’s new Bourke Street flagship in the northern wing of the same historic building - Rodd & Gunn will officially be the resident brand in the southern wing. Together, the launches signal a powerful new chapter for one of the city’s most architecturally significant addresses.

The brand was honoured to breathe new life into a site that has been part of the city’s cultural tapestry for nearly a century, designed by celebrated Melbourne architect Harry Norris. The building, previously the original Cole’s store and David Jones Men’s site, is famed for its gothic façade, pink-and-blue terracotta cladding, and its rich Art Deco design. For generations, it was a beloved meeting place, etched into the collective memory of Victorians – and now, it opens its doors once more.

“This building holds a special place in Melbourne’s history, and we wanted our flagship to honour that legacy at every turn,” says Mike Beagley, CEO. “From the restored architectural details to subtle references to its celebrated past, every design choice was made to respect its heritage while creating something entirely new for today’s guest to enjoy.”

The brand has curated distinct yet connected spaces across the four levels, blending 1930s glamour with contemporary hospitality-led design. Arched motifs, curved joinery, stepped stone profiles and metal inlay detailing subtly echo the building’s Art Deco origins, while natural stone, warm timbers, and marble accents reflect the essence of Rodd & Gunn.

“While New Zealand will always remain Rodd & Gunn’s spiritual home, the opening of our Melbourne flagship is our way of giving back to a city that has supported Rodd & Gunn from the very beginning,” says Josh Beagley, Director of The Lodge Group. “Every surface in this flagship tells a story - a dialogue between past and present that honours the history of the building and the fabric of our brand.” 

With interiors designed by Melbourne based Studio Y, the flagship takes guests on a transportive journey, guided by an interplay of lights and darks. It begins in the lower ground Cellar, where layered finishes and intimate lighting evoke the feeling of a wine cave. From there, the experience shifts into the light, airy sophistication of the immersive retail floor, before inverting into the intimate exclusivity of the Member’s Bar. Finally, ascending the heritage staircase to The Lodge Dining Room, guests are met once again with a sense of brightness that accentuates the room’s grand proportions, volume, and scale. Across all levels, an integrated Pitt & Giblin sound system creates an immersive audio backdrop, enhancing the distinct atmosphere of each space.

Lower Ground, Cellar Retail & Cellar Caffetteria - A subterranean haven offers intimate booth seating, paying homage to the original Cole’s Cafeteria. Oversized checkerboard flooring, bluestone laneway walkways, and a playful, wine-first approach celebrate New Zealand’s leading vineyards alongside standout Australian and international producers. Housed within the Cellar, an innovative Cocktail Laboratory by Melbourne mixology maverick and trailblazer Matt Bax (Bar Americano) creates an innovative and bespoke drinks offering. Guests can excite their senses with an artfully crafted cocktail, browse the curated wine selection, or settle in with a glass from the ever-evolving list. The premium beverage offering will be accompanied by an Italian inspired menu featuring house-made pasta and all day aperitivi.

Ground Floor, Rodd & Gunn – A new chapter in retail, refined, elegant and immersive. The heart of the brand and a polished statement of confidence, the space pairs cornice plasterwork and marble joinery with modern product displays. Heritage-inspired balustrades and aromatic timber finishes create a relaxed yet elevated browsing experience.

Mezzanine, Member’s Bar – A moody retreat reserved for loyalty clientele, wrapped in wood panelling, sculptural lighting by Volker Haug, and Art Deco-inspired motifs. Guests can exclusively enjoy distinctive classic cocktails, premium wines, and Kiwi-inspired snacks in a private, club-like setting - the ideal place to unwind after a shopping spree, or to kick one off.

Level 1, The Lodge Dining Room - The pièce de résistance of the flagship, grand in scale yet intimate in detail. The Lodge Dining Room is an impressive destination framed by floor-to-ceiling arched windows, antique mirrors and custom joinery. Subtle references to the building’s past are woven throughout - from restored tile artworks and original tiled columns to marble finishes and parquetry underfoot. A reeded-glass private dining room with steel detailing and a striking white marble table offers an exclusive setting for more intimate gatherings within the grandeur of the main space.

Michelin-starred Executive Chef Matt Lambert, together with Head Chef James Evangelinos, brings a bold Kiwi perspective to Melbourne’s produce-led ethos, showcasing the best of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Matt and James blend vision and craft to deliver a dining journey that delights every sense, inviting guests to savour a new era of immersive dining. À la carte along with 5 and 10 course set menus are paired with wines curated by New Zealand’s one & only, Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas, showcasing New Zealand’s top vineyards alongside renowned Australian and international labels.

“It’s hospitality at its finest, set within one of Melbourne’s most iconic addresses,” says Lambert. “Here, guests can savour exceptional food, wine and service, whilst being immersed in a setting that is as inspiring as it is steeped in history.”

“We’re proud to bring this vision to life in Melbourne - a city that shares our passion for fashion, exceptional food and wine, timeless style, heritage, craftsmanship and visionary thinking,” says Mike Beagley.

Opening this Spring, the flagship marks the beginning of a new chapter for Rodd & Gunn. The Rodd & Gunn Retail Store, Cellar Retail & Cellar Caffetteria will open early October, followed by the Member’s Bar and The Lodge Dining Room late October.

The launch cements the brand’s evolution from a distinguished New Zealand outfitter into a global lifestyle destination. Fashion, hospitality, and wine culture are united under one roof, offering guests an experience that honours design and heritage while redefining modern luxury. It sets a new benchmark for integrated retail and hospitality in Melbourne - an impressive blueprint for Rodd & Gunn’s future on the world stage.

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Sip. Savour. Shop.

Key Dates:

Rodd & Gunn Retail Store and Cellar Retail & Cellar Caffetteria – early October.

Member’s Bar and The Lodge Dining Room – late October.

Bookings are now open to experience the Cellar from Monday, 6 October.

@roddandgunn @thelodgebaranz      www.roddandgunn.com/au

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