The PACE brand was founded in 2017 by Felipe Matayoshi, following a few years of dabbling semi-professionally in fashion and sneakers. Specialised in streetwear, the brand resonates well with a young, trend-conscious demographic at home base São Paulo and far beyond. A few years in, the young entrepreneur decided to take PACE‘s operations to a higher level by inaugurating a flagship store and café in the tony neighbourhood of Cerqueira César. The store occupies 410 sqm. (4,413 sq.ft.) set across four levels of a modern, low-rise structure, and features an interior design by local practice Coletivo de Arquitetos. On street level, a sleek understated façade and large window mark the presence of PACE on this relatively quiet tree-lined street.
Mind you, even the window installation adapts to the chosen minimalism as it features a glass display suspended by steel cables connected to a low-speed rotor, rotating the set 360 degrees. And yes, each time, a single product will be highlighted. Upon entering, shoppers go one level up by way of a concrete staircase where the retail space unfolds. A whitewashed corridor lined on either side with seemingly make-shift metal pipe display tables, while on the side of the intentionally distressed concrete sales counter, also seating and floor-to-ceiling mirrors can be found. Advancing further into the retail space, in a double-height back section, sits a partially closed suspended circular structure crafted from steel and semi-transparent fabric.
Inside, semi-circular steel shelving units showcase shoes and bags. It’s followed by yet another section which is home to PACE‘s home collection. Here, the setting is defined by an intricate flooring design, comprising lacquered wooden planking, an overlaid pathway of metal strips, and Japanese style pebble borders. Mind you, a large oval skylight and tree trunk add further character to the whitewashed space. One level up, on the light-filled mezzanine which overlooks the retail space, Café PACE is situated. Run by Yasmin Yonashiro and Simone Xirata, both of local Jojo Ramen fame, it’s furnished with designs crafted mainly from reforested wood. A Japanese Noren-inspired timber grid lends an intimate touch to the setting. The menu is concise, featuring traditional onigiri, Japanese sandwiches, sweets and organic coffees. © superfuture
PACE
Alameda Itu 1466 (Cerqueira César)
SP 04191-080 São Paulo
Telephone +55 11 30888665
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm
Sun 12pm-6pm
Café PACE
Alameda Itu 1466 (Cerqueira César)
SP 04191-080 São Paulo
Mon-Sat 12pm-6pm
Sun 12pm-5pm
Publishers Note
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