How the physical store will fare in a post-pandemic future remains to be seen. But while our shopping experiences are perhaps forever adapted by the crisis, it hasn’t fully taken away the enjoyment of entering a shop and browsing for products IRL. The long queues to be seen outside of retailers are testament to this fact. And now that some markets are beginning to open up, so are the new shops: everywhere from Rome to Shenzhen to Rotterdam to New York City. Below, we invite you to be inspired by a strong collection of retail design from names such as Louis Vuitton, Uniqlo and Kenzo once more.
TOKYO: UNIQLO
Herzog & de Meuron
Herzog & de Meuron has transformed a former department store in Tokyo into Uniqlo’s newest global flagship. Designing the new interiors for the Ginza space, built in 1984, was an ‘exercise in design through subtraction’, according to the practice. The former ‘conventional’ retail build-out was completely removed, revealing the structure’s original concrete framework of beams and columns. ‘Double-height entrances and the interior quadruple-story plaza create remarkable views from all levels and a meeting point for people.’
Location 2 Chome-2-14 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Photo: Ben Benoliel
LONDON AND NEW YORK CITY: A.P.C.
Laurent Deroo Architecte
French firm Laurent Deroo Architecte (LDA) has been collaborating with fashion brand A.P.C. for 15 years. Mistral is a new store-design concept envisioned by the practice, which has been introduced at London’s Covent Garden location as well as the Brooklyn Williamsburg shop. The build-outs, which centre on pre-fabricated sets of modules assembled on-site, were assisted by LDA’S design and production department, Panoramar. Materials used include aluminium and okoume plywood.
London Location 17 Floral St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DH, United
New York City Location 94n N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
ROME: ACQUA DI PARMA
Patricia Grosdemange
LVMH lifestyle and fragrance brand Acqua Di Parma has introduced a boutique on Rome’s Piazza di Spagna. In-house LVMH architect Patricia Grosdemange was briefed with the project, which is designed as an ‘authentic Italian home’. Rattan and travertine complement a careful curation of objects and furniture within the 120-m2 space. At its centre is a countertop crafted from onyx surrounded by stools, inviting visitors to sit, relax and explore Acqua di Parma’s products as if in an ‘Italian kitchen’.
NEW YORK CITY: KENZO
Felipe Oliveira Baptista
Kenzo has unveiled its inaugural US flagship, in New York City. The SoHo address, designed by creative director Felipe Oliveira Baptista, is in a historic building characterized by a cast-iron facade. Once inside visitors find a dedicated space – complete with 1970s furnishings and geometric plexiglass displays – for revolving art installations. White metal scaffolding defines the interior, providing both a merchandising platform and space for lush greenery. ‘This US flagship is envisioned as a continuously evolving ecosystem where artistic installations and community gatherings are delivered alongside the brand’s newest offerings,’ explains a spokesperson for Kenzo.
ROTTERDAM: LOUIS VUITTON
Two years after opening a temporary pop-up at Rotterdam’s De Bijenkorf location, French luxury brand Louis Vuitton has installed a permanent shop, designed in-house. The space at the Dutch department store has a modular architectural system, outfitted with furnishings from mid-century designers Louis van Teeffelen and Friso Kramer, as well as elements by Dirk Vander Kooij and a Piet Hein Eek piece. The ‘women’s universe’ additionally boasts a sunset photograph captured by Sølve Sundsbø.
Location Coolsingel 105, 3012 AG Rotterdam
Photo: Nie Xiacong
SHENZHEN: BIBILEE
MOC Design Office
Shenzhen’s mixed-use complex UpperHills has a brand-new entrant: independent retailer Bibilee. The fashion brand’s space is a 110-sq-m pop-up shop, which will remain at UpperHills for five months. MOC Design Office is responsible for the design – the team completed a minimalist, cool-toned interior that places more emphasis on material, primarily texturized oriented strand board and tin foil, than decoration. Yves Klein-blue is used for bold touches throughout the monochromatic shop.
Location T0329, 3rd Floor, Upper Hills, Futian District, Shenzhen
COPENHAGEN: NORMANN COPENHAGEN
Open to the public again after the COVID-19 lockdown, Normann Copenhagen’s hometown showroom has a whole new look. Featuring a redesigned logo, updated colour palette and visual contrasts, the space sets a totally updated stage for the company to display some of their most iconic designs. Now, the brand is hosting a special exhibition inspired by the Danish notion of hygge.
Location Østerbrogade 70, 2100 Copenhagen