As Harvey Nichols opens its doors once again to customers across the nation, the luxury retailer is delighted to unveil its new range of Gift Experiences. Looking optimistically ahead as lockdown is gradually lifted across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with increasing numbers of the population vaccinated against Covid-19, Harvey Nichols is encouraging customers to be aspirational and think positively about the future as society begins to re-emerge from this period of isolation.

The wide range of Gift Experiences is both enticing and highly varied, from interactive cocktail-making classes and expert wine-tasting tutorials, to personal styling sessions and decadent Afternoon Tea. These tailored experiences are set to be at the top of everyone’s wish-list favourites, whatever the occasion.

Luxuria’s Editor, Kaya, was lucky enough to seize the opportunity to refresh her wardrobe and discover exciting new post-lockdown looks with one of Harvey Nichols’ most dedicated personal shoppers, Gaynor.

In this exclusive Luxuria interview, we go through the ins and outs of their personalised one-to-one styling session with a glass of champagne by our sides, sitting in the luxurious private suite.

How does the Harvey Nichols personal shopper experience work?

Gaynor: I’d be delighted to explain. The experience starts with an at-home telephone consultation with one of our dedicated Stylists, ahead of a personalised one-to-one styling session in-store. You’re then guided through an edit of looks and top styling tips whilst relaxing in the luxurious private suite with a glass of champagne in hand, just like we are now.

We start by meeting at the beauty concierge on the ground floor, then head up to the dedicated four-booth styling suite to talk about your style and item wants—whether that’s a gorgeous staple dress and heels or even accessories, from sunglasses to the everyday luxury belt. You’ll then experience the ultimate in retail therapy, followed by meeting up in our fifth-floor coffee shop. You can even get your items gift-wrapped and delivered to your door if desired.

What makes the Harvey Nichols personal shopper so special?

Gaynor: It has got to be the brand perception.

When you meet us and the team, you can just see that we are a family here at Harvey Nichols. It’s key that you feel safe, confident, and secure with us.

When I say family, I mean because my style and clientele is so different from Sergio’s, for example. Sergio has this incredible edge—he won Personal Shopper of the Year globally—and our styles are polar opposites, but I love coming into the workplace and seeing him.

Anything else to highlight about the experience?

Gaynor: Our passion as personal shoppers is to give you the best possible experience. There’s absolutely no rush, and you even have a whole year to spend the gift card. Fancy bringing your friend for moral support and a glass of champagne? You can do it, with no extra cost either.

Remember, there are multiple experiences offered by Harvey Nichols. For example, those individuals weary of home-cooking and craving fine dining can indulge in one of two delightfully British Afternoon Tea experiences or reunite with family and friends over a meal as they dine in style at one of the Harvey Nichols restaurants and brasseries.

Aspiring sommeliers can choose from four different experiences that shine the spotlight on a flight of carefully curated wines from the extensive Harvey Nichols Wineshop, whilst cocktail connoisseurs can muddle and shake their very own cocktails following the expert advice of the Harvey Nichols mixologists.

Beauty buffs can also rediscover new-season products whilst basking in the unashamed joy of browsing the glittering Beauty Halls of Harvey Nichols. Those wanting a fresh update to their look for Spring and Summer can celebrate the best of beauty and discover a personalised pick of hero products with in-store beauty and fragrance sessions. From innovative skincare and iconic fragrances, to pro-worthy palettes and perfect brows, the Harvey Nichols beauty experts will guide customers through their top tips, tricks, and techniques in these fun and interactive masterclasses, tailored either to an individual or small group of friends.

Whether you’re a wine, food, fashion, or beauty lover, Harvey Nichols invites customers to embrace life’s little luxuries, to reconnect with one another, and to start afresh as we move forwards together into a better and brighter future.

The luxury retailer is ensuring that Government guidelines are being fully met to ensure the health and safety of both employees and customers as it reopens its stores.

Written by Kaya Cheshire for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International