It’s a full circle moment for Highsnobiety. Founded in 2005 by Swiss-born David Fischer, the streetwear and sneaker website has since gone leaps and bounds, trading in the aura of ‘street cred’ for stature in global fashion circles. The company crossed over to the realm of brick-and-mortar retail in 2020 with a series of pop-up stores in leading fashion and lifestyle hubs across the planet, such as Milan, London, Miami, and very recently, New York City. German online retailer Zalando acquired of a majority stake in Highsnobiety almost two years ago, and it looks as if that also spawned a new impetus for establishing a permanent retail space at home base Berlin. The Highsnobiety flagship store occupies a lofty ground floor unit on the premises of an early 20th-century office building by German architect Kurt Berndt (1863-1925).
Two years ago, the building saw a significant redevelopment which included the addition of two entire floors. The interior design, created by local design practice VAUST, reflects Highsnobiety‘s forward vision of a retail space as a continuously transitional domain with a clear and tantalising narrative, and in this case, one with a distinct Berliner accent. The latter element is particularly evident in the fact that the rough surface of the building’s shell has been largely retained, and combined with sanded concrete flooring and a ceiling dipped in a warm grey hue, it serves as an effortless backdrop. A curated palette of contrasting industrial materials, either repurposed or reimagined, are captured by furnishings in various shapes and fixtures, adding an intriguing visual layering.
In similar eclectic fashion, furniture pieces blend classical aesthetics and contemporary materials, such as the counter and displays which feature classical column moldings applied to industrial styrofoam. The lighting also reveals a meticulous attention to detail, balancing functional and atmospheric throughout the premises. The new Highsnobiety flagship store stocks a tightly curated collection of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, bags, and lifestyle items by leading brands, including Wales Bonner, Acne Studios, Birkenstock, Y-3, JACQUEMUS, Dries Van Noten, and of course, its very own collection. As said, it also aims to be a platform of interaction, either for brands or relevant cultural entities, and as such, the flagship store will see a rotation of in-house installations and showcases. © superfuture.com
Highsnobiety
Unter den Linden 40 (Mitte)
10117 Berlin
Telephone +49 170 3286688
Mon-Sat 11am-7pm
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