Zara launches in Joburg amid fanfare

Spanish retailer Zara launched its first-ever South African store - one of the largest in the world - in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.

Located in the new extension of Sandton City, the shop's launch drew a large crowd as fashion lovers, bloggers, stylists, journalists, celebrities and business personnel attended the official opening.

With over 2700 square metres of floor space, the shop is one of Zara's biggest and joins close to 2000 other shops located elsewhere in the globe. South Africa is now the 80th country that Inditex - Zara's parent company - has stores in.

The store showcased items that are in-season (such as colour blocking and florals) as well as faux vintage dresses, bright jeans and loose-fitting tops. The range also featured leather bags of all shapes and sizes (from doctor's bags to totes to clutches). Tailored blazers and jackets were also a strong feature at Zara.

The looks were quite diverse - vintage, chic, playful, creative and laidback - every woman was provided for.                          

Zara didn't leave the men out in the cold, however. The men's collection was for the distinguished gentleman in a suit to the young cool guy in folded chinos and a blazer.

To quote the brochure: "A range of collections designed to appeal to the personal style and needs of a variety of men: fans of the classic standards, men who love the latest fashion trends and those who prefer a more casual or sporty look."

There was also a kids' section, which provides for children aged 0 to 16 years old.

The store is open to the public from Thursday.