Five new brands heading to iconic luxury lifestyle destination

Victoria Leeds steps into summer with five new brands opening in the coming months, as well as an exciting upsize for one of its most-loved brands. The new stores range from stylish eyewear and a beloved whisky expert, to cutting-edge fashion and beauty.

Phase Eight, known for its midi and maxi dresses, bold jumpsuits and head-turning hats and fascinators is opening in Victoria Gate at the end of June, ensuring a strong presence for the brand. The store is one of 14 opening this year and will adopt the flagship store design, modelled on the brand’s Westfield London location. Phase Eight Leeds will offer a large collection of event wear, daywear and its luxury black tie collection. It is the perfect choice for wedding season and those attending the races.

Whistles, the London-based style destination, is opening its new standalone store in the city at the end of June, in the contemporary surroundings of Victoria Gate. Known for timeless design, curating must have pieces and wardrobe signatures that elevate the everyday, the new store will carry the brand's latest womenswear collections, including footwear and accessories.

Townhouse Nails, a powder pink paradise of beauty and pampering, will be expanding in the north of England, soon to be landing in Victoria Gate next door to Hackett. The luxury salon is a welcome addition and has built a stellar reputation with its beautiful surroundings, daring nail creations and a flawless finish guarantee.

Jimmy Fairly has fast become a cult brand amongst fashionistas in London’s trendiest suburbs, priding itself on being ‘The coolest optician in town’, and is set to bring its unique style of French eyewear to Leeds in Victoria Quarter.

Premium spirits experts, The Whisky Shop, will find their home in County Arcade. Visitors will be able to pick up some of the world’s finest whiskies, including rare bottles and limited-edition exclusives such as The Glenlivet 80-Year-Old Generations Gordon & MacPhail.

The announcement comes as one of Victoria Leeds’ most successful brands, Size?, have moved to a new space in Victoria Quarter that is four-times the size of their previous store. The designer trainer and footwear brand is now housed in a three-floor concept space on the trendy King Edward Street, surrounded by the likes of Paul Smith, Fred Perry and Pretty Green.

Victoria Leeds has long been the aspirational choice for premium brands, cutting edge independents and high-end restaurants looking for the perfect Yorkshire home. The iconic destination is the go-to location for new, trendsetting names that have typically been based in upscale London districts such as Marylebone High Street, Covent Garden and Chelsea, attracting the brand-conscious, stylish Leeds shopper.

With its glorious mix of historic architecture and modern design, Victoria Leeds is by far one of the UK’s most glamorous spaces to indulge in shopping, dining, beauty and unique experiences.

Jo Coburn, Senior General Manager at Victoria Leeds, said: “Retail is constantly evolving, and we are fast becoming the preferred destination not just for shopping, but leisure and lifestyle too. Having a dynamic sense of ‘now’ has never been more important. These new brands are a welcome addition to Victoria Leeds as our brand mix is key to ensuring that our beautiful destination is first on the bucket list when you’re visiting our fantastic city.

"It is our aim to create engaging, relevant experiences and events around this mix, that build anticipation and engagement with our customers and ultimately a true sense of belonging to the Victoria Leeds community. From Fashion Weekenders and immersive activations to large-scale artistry and involvement in cultural city trails. We work in collaboration with all our city partners to make Victoria Leeds one of the most inspiring places to visit when you’re in the city centre.”