It’s not only in China‘s top-tier cities where life has taken a turn for the better in more ways than one. The growing economy, increased affluence and more sophisticated lifestyles in many of these sprawling metropolitan areas have started to rub off on an surrounding regions. However, the provincial city of Tongxian, situated southwest of Shanghai and only a two-hour car drive away, may have been an exception due to its longtime wool and silk production. Mind you, the latter material has been crafted here for many, many centuries. Diversifying its economy, Tongxian recently inaugurated the first phase of Puyuan Ancient Town, a quarter of the city which sees numerous historic buildings integrated in a commercial development with a cultural edge, which is to become a high-profile tourist destination with a myriad of facilities, including plenty of stores. One of the first businesses to have opened its doors is COSCIA, an upscale multi-brand retailer which already operates a string of stores nationwide.
Occupying no less than 800 sqm. (8,611 sq.ft.) set across two floors of a redeveloped existing structure, the retail space features an interior design by Shanghai-based practice All Design Studio which incorporates, albeit paired with minimalist tweaks, the traditional spatial configurations of Suzhou-style architecture and its subtle colour palettes. The modern building has been made from reinforced concrete, but the design has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring and displaying the historical imprints of the original architecture. On the ground floor, shoppers come across a pathway laid with terracotta bricks which effortlessly blends in with two terracotta cabinet walls. These elements, harmonised in both colour and material, not only enhance the visual depth and diversity but also adeptly enclose the atrium space. The latter space is adorned by a striking trapezoidal volume which is a decorative focal point which corresponds with a mirrored shape suspended within the atrium.
A waterfall of chains, dangling from the rooftop from each side, add to the highly artistic atmosphere. The ground floor presents apparel and bag collections, in addition to a special section showcasing jewellery. Here, the ceiling is inspired by the dots found on mahjong tiles. One floor up, more apparel is presented in a more homey environment, featuring fluffy carpets and furnishings in warmer colours. The top floor is home to a V.I.P. lounge and spacious and evocative fitting rooms, featuring a backdrop of decorative stones which form a landscape. At the resting zone situated along a corridor sits a seating arrangement of bamboo tables and chairs which are a nod to local bamboo furniture. The new COSCIA store carries a wide range of men’s and women’s collections by curated a mix of premium and high-end brands from home and abroad, including Chin Chin, Jil Sander, Hidy Ng, Balenciaga, Benative, Valentino and The Kooples.
COSCIA
233 Puchuan Dajie (Puyuan Ancient Town)
314500 Tongxiang
Publishers Note
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