The Tasmanian capital was host to this week’s David Jones Autumn/Winter 19, the theme of which was The Art of Living. The concept heralded the launch of the department store’s new focus on being the nation’s key lifestyle expert, extending its offerings from fashion through to home, food, beauty, health and wellness.

Key media and influencers descended on modern art hub MONA for the immersive launch. Across February 5 and 6, guests were treated to a trio of lifestyle-focused events exploring the different components of David Jones’ new offerings and launches. Additions to the David Jones family include Robert Gordon dinnerware, Georg Jensen and Dinosaur Designs. Also revealed was the news that David Jones will launch their first standalone food store this April in Melbourne.

The Apple Isle’s cooler climate was deemed the perfect backdrop to showcase the company’s Autumn/Winter 19 offering, and Mona a destination that aligned well with The Art of Living’s mantra. Of course, it also helps that the modern art museum boasts picturesque views from its Berriedale peninsula location.

Festivities kicked off with a decadent feast held at Mona’s The Source. A foray into Australian producers, the meal was a celebration of Tasmanian producers, winemakers and artisan distillers – many of which are previous delicious. Produce Award winners and medalists. To boot, near 80 percent of what was presented on plates will be stocked in the David Jones Food Halls shortly. But it wasn’t just the food itself that was impressive; the meal was served on a table decorated with all manner of sea treasures, from seaweed to shells.

Autumn/Winter 19 fashion trends were also in the spotlight, courtesy of a fashion show held deep within Mona’s halls on the Tuesday evening. Models Jessica Gomes, Cameron Robbie, Gemma Ward and Victoria Lee were among those chosen to showcase the best of international and Australian new-season designers, from Rixo to Zimmermann.

Festivities concluded with a brunch held in MONA’s Faro bar-restaurant, hosted by David Jones’ general manager of beauty, Rachel Duffy-Packer, and Australian actress Teresa Palmer. “Wellness is no longer just a matter of diet and exercise,” says Duffy-Packer. “This season, The Art of Living has given us a platform to discuss the direction of this movement which has many touch-points, from inner beauty supplements and aromatherapy, to mindfulness and conscious beauty products. Our customers are doing more research and making more informed shopping decisions, and their feedback allows us to continue to explore the way wellness is translated into our offering at David Jones.” The department store is set to welcome wellness brands Vitamix, Bose, KeepCup and Aveda among its many new additions.

After two days of such creativity, it wasn’t just an ample breakfast spread that greeted guests to the conclusion of the Autumn/Winter 19 launch. Attendees were treated to custom MONA smoothies blended with Beauty Chef ingredients and Tasmanian raspberries, followed by an Aveda oil massage then a mindfulness session with celebrated meditation and yoga expert Helen Cushing.