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Updated Tuesday, September 22, 2009 9:39 am TWN, The China Post news staff

The exterior of Bella Vita, the latest addition to Taiwan's high-end retail market, opens yesterday in the fiercely competitive Xinyi district. (Akie Ang, The China Post and CNA)

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High-end Bella Vita opens with clash

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- It only seems fitting that Bella Vita, the latest addition to Taiwan's high-end retail market, should open its doors in the fiercely competitive Taipei market with a skirmish.

The minor clash occurred yesterday after the opening ceremony as security guards shut the door in the faces of reporters to prevent them from interviewing guests including C.C. Leung, vice chairman of Quanta Computer Inc. and the investor of the project, Leung's wife and three daughters, the managers of Bella Vita, and Quanta chairman Barry Lam, who showed up in support of his colleague.

A few members of the press were reportedly injured, including some whose hands were jammed by the quickly-closing doors, according to the TV news channel TVBS

The mall only opened its first floor during the initial operation. The main attraction is the 90-ping flagship store of Bulgari, the brand's largest outlet in Taiwan. As a promotion, shoppers purchasing NT$100,000 worth of products will get chocolates shipped directly from Japan.

A 124-ping Hermes flagship store will open in October.

Also to open in October is a restaurant by world-renowned French chef and restaurateur Joel Robuchon. Robuchon has operated restaurants in world major cities such as Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, Macau, Monaco, New York City, Paris, and Tokyo and won a total of 25 stars from the Michelin Guide, more than any chef in the world.

The restaurant will be the first in Taiwan operated by a Michelin chef.

The 15,922 ping mall is also highlighted by the exclusive Taiwan stores of European brands Christofle, John Lobb and Roger Vivier. Garment brands targeting younger shoppers will open on the mall's second floor at a later time.

C.C. Leung, who spent NT$9 billion on the shopping mall in Xinyi District, one of the city's premier shopping, entertainment and business areas, stressed that the mall was not for the rich and wealthy despite its luxurious appearance.

“This is not a luxury mall. Rather, it targets typical consumers,” Leung said. The mall seeks to offer shoppers a “beautiful life,” which is what the Italian phrase “bella vita” means, guests at the opening ceremony said.

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