“When I have company I consider it (Champagne) obligatory,” Lily Bollinger once declared – a sentiment that Patrick Johnson mirrored last week in Melbourne. To celebrate 15 years of P. Johnson, Johnson hosted a grand banquet that felt as much a tribute to craftsmanship and community as it did to fashion. The evening unfolded with a sense of Melbourne’s signature style filling the air – a heady mix of refined tailoring and understated elegance that the eponymous label embodies.
In true P. Johnson style, the anniversary celebration was no ordinary dinner; it was an immersive, eclectic experience, drawing inspiration from cinema and cuisine alike. Johnson and his team crafted an atmosphere inspired by the ballroom scene in Ghostbusters, the thrilling introduction of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and a touch of yum cha charm, complete with Lazy Susans keeping the conversation and culinary experience lively.
At the heart of the evening was catering by David Prahran, a Melbourne institution that brought authentic yet modern Asian-inspired cuisine to the event. Converting P. Johnson’s stockroom into a temporary kitchen, David’s team executed dishes that seamlessly matched the evening's thematic elements, enhancing the relaxed yet refined feel that has become synonymous with P. Johnson.
Adding a dash of humour to the evening, custom fortune cookies filled with inane celebrity quotes were scattered among the tables, a P. Johnson touch that perfectly balanced elegance with wit. “Who doesn’t like a surprise?” Johnson mused, knowing these playful fortunes would bring a bit of levity and conversation to the mix of long-time clients and new faces.
With a store setting designed by renown Interior Designer Tamsin Johnson, the Melbourne CBD location transformed for the night, taking on a distinctly gallery-like atmosphere with its open-plan layout and art deco architecture. Johnson's design choices brought a layered elegance to the space—minty organza drapes hinting at Sydney’s coastal breeziness, alongside the leopard-print carpet in a mirrored side room, a chic nod to Halston’s iconic New York apartment. This seductive annex provided a sophisticated backdrop for mingling, drinks, and, of course, the clothing.
The evening encapsulated 15 years of the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship, community, and an understated yet impactful style. This celebration was as much a look back on the years of growth and loyalty as it was a glimpse into the timeless, playful elegance that the label continues to champion.
