George Patterson Y & R

George Patterson Y & R

In 2008 a project commenced to revamp the Georges building and bring it back to something befitting Melbourne's most historical fashion address. Georges was the store that drove the development of Melbourne's shopping culture with exclusivity for all the international brands that grace the Paris end of Collins Street today. Georges of Collins has held literally thousands of fashions shows over the years. It acted as the gateway for all the world's top brands to originally establish a footprint in Melbourne. It was also the place for Australian brands to build their reputation. Of course Georges also opened stores at the Jam factory and Camberwell Junction: now two suburban shopping Mecca's.

The original Georges was built on the site of the Block Arcade in 1880 at a time when Melbourne was the wealthiest city in the world. In 1889 with building was destroyed and Georges was moved to its present location and the last place to adorn the Georges Logo.

Georges has many strange and wonderful stories. Here's two: The top floor was once a cyclotorium in the cycling boom of the 1890s for ladies and gents to enjoy cucumber sandwiches and ride in significant circles dressed in top hats and long dresses. A far cry from the lycra clad cycling revolution over a century later. Where the iconic Longroom is today was the menswear department. Still receives fine menswear most nights as one of Melbourne's best bar restaurants.

In 2009 the Georges Card will return for use at all the stores within the store. The famous Georges Sales of the 20th century are also set to return.

For more stories and info, see the Georges on Collins website. ...read more