© MNMA / Photography: Fran Parente

Thinking of Rio, images of glorious sun-drenched beaches instantly pop up. It’s this geophysical condition that has not only provided Cariocas a laidback lifestyle, but also a beach culture that’s renowned across the planet. Tapping right into the latter domain is Marcella Franklin, a Brazilian designer who creates women’s swimwear with a modern twist. The brand, called Haight, is distinctly contemporary and versatile, allowing its savvy fanbase to transition from beach to cocktail bar at the blink of an eye. Taking her business to the next level, Franklin has recently opened the first Haight boutique in Leblon, an upscale seaside area of Rio de Janeiro, replete with an eponymous beach that’s as iconic as neighbouring Ipanema and Copacabana.

The store occupies an 80 sqm. (861 sq.ft.) ground floor of a high-rise residential building, and features an interior design by São Paulo-based architecture practice MNMA. The space comes with a massive pillar right in the middle, and the main challenge was to create a setting that oozes an artisanal quality, and incorporate this unavoidable element. To accomplish the artisanal, handcrafted atmosphere, the architecture practice collaborated with Brazilian home decoration retailer Passalacqua on developing organic and clay-based cement and paints.

Interestingly, both the façade of the Haight store and the sidewalk outside have been included in the design to create an increased coherence and heighten the immersive experience for shoppers. The aforementioned pillar has been encased in glass, and connects to the ground floor by way of a curved staircase made from slabs of concrete, creating a mezzanine level with additional floor space. The back wall is embellished by recessed cavernous shapes that correspond with the few selected furnishings and objects. Thick brass wire meanders along the wall on either side of the boutique, and serves as a clothing rack to display the latest Haight designs. Location: Haight, Rua Dias Ferreira 217 (Leblon).

© MNMA / Photography: Fran Parente