One of many successful Chinese consumer brands which has emerged in the past few years, and quite successfully so, deploying a mix of modern branding, well-designed products and striking design-led retail spaces, is Banana in 蕉内. Founded in 2016 by industrial designer Chongyu Zang and fashion designer Zechen Li, the underwear brand has seen an explosive growth through online sales, and increasingly, also with an expanding network of stores across China. Given its still growing popularity, especially among a young and highly trend-conscious demographic, Banana in 蕉内 has further expanded the number of stores in Beijing from two to three. The latest one has recently opened its doors in the city’s popular Sanlitun shopping district. The retail space measures 386 sqm. (4,155 sq.ft.) set across two floors of a modern building and features an interior design by Shanghai-based spatial design practice and longtime collaborator Some Thoughts.
Never shy to experiment with retail design, this store concept is just as adventurous as the previous Banana in 蕉内 retail spaces. The setting is once again industrial and futuristic, captured by a diverse palette of materials which includes stainless steel, metal pipes, stone flooring, silver Tyvek fabric and orange-coloured cement. The latter material has been used to create a faux rocky surface which offsets the furnishings and fixtures, adding an extra futuristic visual layering to the settings. The upper floor comprises a seemingly inserted circular ring which adds another visual dynamic. The Banana in 蕉内 store features a dedicated women’s underwear section with separate fitting rooms, allowing its female clientele more privacy while browsing and trying on apparel. The new Banana in 蕉内 store carries the brand’s full range of men’s and women’s underwear, homewear and socks.
Banana in 蕉内
Building 43, Sanlitun Xi Jie, Shop 112 (Sanlitun)
100027 Beijing
Publishers Note
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