Continuing to raise its profile in the British capital, Cubitts has revamped its store in Soho, one of the city’s most coveted shopping zones. The retail space on Marshall Street is actually the eyewear brand’s very first retail space, opening not long after launching online operations in 2012. The store renewal sees another collaboration with London-based design practice Child Studio which has given the compact two-storey retail space a makeover inspired by the many underground venues, such as ‘We have focussed our research on Soho’s heyday in the postwar era, looking at the interiors of some of the neighbourhood’s iconic venues, such the Formica-clad Bar Italia and legendary jazz venue 100 Club with its all-red interiors, but also the many subcultures that emerged over the decades in this buzzing part of town.
Panels of faux wood Formica laminate with aluminium trims form the backdrop of an antique Caori cocktail table with a brushed aluminium tabletop designed by Italian designer Vico Magistretti, slightly tweaked in height with a raised podium by the design studio to meet practical retail requirements. The panelling comes with shelving and nooks, allowing even space for a desk paired with a 1960s desk lamp by Czech designer Josef Hůrka and a Giovanna Modonutti chair. A narrow staircase leads to the basement of the Cubitts store where the setting is mimics a nightclub, featuring surfaces in a deep red hue and neon signs guiding customers to the eye-examination room concealed behind a velvet curtain. Furnishings include a floor lamp by British designer Ronald Homes and the chrome and leather chairs designed by Modonutti. A collection of limited-edition sunglasses is displayed on the illuminated shelves clad in aluminium-effect Formica, creating a theatrical effect against the dark red surrounding.
Cubitts
37 Marshall Street (Soho)
London W1F 7EZ
Telephone: +44 20 76836369
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 12am-6pm
Publishers Note
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