As the planet’s second largest luxury market, China continues to have a major appeal for foreign brands operating in the upper segment, and Stone Island is no exception. The brand already operates a string of boutiques in the country’s biggest cities, but has just added a second outpost in Chengdu. Situated at Chengdu Taikoo Li, the city’s leading luxury shopping centre, the store occupies a 118 sqm. (1,270 sq.ft.) ground floor unit, and features an interior design by Samir Bantal, architect and director of renowned Dutch architecture practice OMA/AMO. The aesthetic of the retail space aligns with Stone Island‘s forward approach to design. Floor-to-ceiling recycled green glass and clear glass form the façade that’s part of the brand’s new retail design codes. The recycled green glass is arranged in vertical fins, echoing imperial jade.
This is an almost transparent natural stone with a vibrant, emerald-green colour, and reflects the rich legacy of the region of Chengdu. Indoor, a sand-sprayed technique was applied to the ceiling, flaunting custom-designed light fixtures by Dutch designer Tim Hooijmans which offer an intriguing contrast with the dark cork-clad walls. However, the walls near the fitting rooms are adorned with pressed paper. Five black lacquered torso mannequins, inspired by the city’s ancient lacquerware, adorn the store windows. Special features are a chandelier-like digital display which is suspended from the ceiling – mind you, when lowered, it becomes a display table – in addition to a digital LED wall in shiny metal. The new Stone Island boutique carries the brand’s full range of apparel, accessories and bags.
Stone Island
8 Zhong Shamao Jie, Level 1, Shop 1251 (Jinjiang)
610021 Chengdu
Publishers Note
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