Stella McCartney, Las Vegas

Located within The Crystals City Center project, the Las Vegas Stella McCartney store nestles between two inclined thirty storey ‘crystal’ towers. Like huge glass shards they create a landmark space in their shadow within the Daniel Libeskind designed building. This is the new epicentre of Las Vegas – a complex cluster of angular forms which houses marques from around the world under thirteen (lucky for some) twisting rooves.

The Stella McCartney store sits next to Cartier, close to the Aria Casino entrance – a simple brass facade. Formed with rhombus ceramic tiles defining two large display windows, the central entrance opens with a colourful threshold. This is the beginning of Stella McCartney’s Vegas.

Stella McCartney have collaborated with architects APA from Soho, London with whom they also worked for stores in Paris and Milan, (in association with an experienced local team) to propose the ambitious new store which houses a remarkable crystal horse at its very centre.

Imported from a Scottish Castle, the horse ‘Lucky Spot’ is named after Stella McCartney’s mother Linda’s own horse. Hanging within a vast fourteen foot ceiling space, the crystals are suspended mid air to describe in light the form of George Stubb’s famous equestrian painting ‘The Whistle Jacket’. It is an act of theatre combined with design artistry and a slightly wicked but healthy sense of playfulness. The horse is surrounded by the Stella McCartney latest collection on an array of sculptural sweeping clothes rails and with geometric cubes housing her accessories merchandise. A subtle sense of joy is, we hope, evoked.

On the floor, a traditional Herringbone (designed by Raw Edges with Established & Sons) has been commissioned which subverts the classical feel in beautiful nude tones to depict an enormous sweeping curvature guiding the customers though the collection. At the back of the store, the pattern becomes a classic dotted check plaid subtley merging to a warm luxurious lounge punctuated by brass clothes rail and English furniture.

The fitting rooms go a step further in spectacular tones of veneered maple of warm red, azure turquoise and deep rich flannel grey ; a further inflexion of the traditional, this time in timber panelling set within a room of deep Hague blue.

The new environment mediates between design, artistry and the bravura of Las Vegas in a confident and uncompromising manner.

L'empresse, Amsterdam

Haute Impression

Jan Clemens Hoek, the owner and founder, has become one (if not the) youngest entrepreneur to have opened his own luxury-line boutique (and to have earned a mention in the International Herald Tribune). Hoek has impressively established a shop with only the hottest names in fashion, like Yves Saint Laurent, Fendi, Marios Schwab, Balmain, Rodarte, Lanvin, Balenciaga… The list goes on.

L’Empresse offers a great assortment of clothing, exclusive accessories and even collector’s items. All you need is an occasion for that new hot cocktail dress.

Cornelis Schuytstraat 48

1071 JL Amsterdam

+31206390067

www.l-empresse.com

info@l-empresse.com

A Home for Wang

Here comes the much awaited event for devoted fans all over the world, the beloved designer Alexander Wang finally introduce his first flagship store to the world. With a bright and clear weather report, a rather heavenly sunlight streamed through the massive windows into the 3,500-square-foot space.

Wang was, of course, inspired by the airy nature of the Yohji Yamamato store that previously occupied the space, and he had a couple other favorites to inspire him as well. “I respond to a store like Barneys where it’s very breathy and you have these sophisticated installations, but there’s still humor,” he said. “And the old Helmut Lang store on Greene Street was pretty iconic to me. I just loved the gallery feel of it.”

In fact, like Lang’s store, the front area here, which has a ceiling-high black metal cage and marble display cubes, is reserved for installations, exclusives, and special collabs. Currently the cage is covered in baby’s breath, the so-wrong-it’s-right idea of florist Jeff Leatham, who worked with Wang for the opening.

Designed by architect Robin Kramer, the chilly white marble interior is warmed up by touches of glowy antique brass, inlaid in those marble cubes and long tables. And there’s an inviting carpeted square of relaxation in the center, dominated by the by-now world-famous black fox fur hammock. “I knew I wanted it to feel like our living room, just a place where people can hang out,” said Wang. “I don’t want it to be such a strict retail environment. I want people to feel like they’re coming to my apartment to shop.” In a way, they are, since decorator Ryan Korban is the aesthetic force behind the store as well as Wang’s home and showroom. And in that vein, Wang also personally chose the playlist for the first week, a mix of the Pharcyde, vintage Dr. Dre, Dru Hill, and Die Antwoord.

With all of his lines and accessories on display, including a capsule of five black leather pieces made expressly for the opening, consider it a full immersion in Wang world. As for those fans, since Wang’s studio and apartment are both minutes away, and his brother lives right upstairs, they can expect to see him there pretty frequently. Alexander Wang is now open at 103 Grand St., NYC.

Miu Miu Forte Dei Marmi Shop

41 Via Giosuè Carducci,

55042 Forte dei Marmi

LU, Italy

Isn't this Forte Dei Marmi Shop the Cutest Miu Miu Store in the World?

This Miu Miu store is so cute, it feels unreal. But it is, Miu Miu opened up their Forte dei Marmi Store which is in a sea town that is part of northern Tuscany where the wealthy and fabulous—including Andrea Bocelli and Giorgio Armani—keep villas.

The space on Via Carducci was designed by architect Roberto Baciocchi, features women’s collections of ready-to-wear, bags, accessories and footwear. Design elements include interior passages of walls upholstered in damask offset by mirrors and screens. The layout is supposed to be casual yet feminine and elegant. Also, natural features are interspersed with palm and iroko wood. The space spans towards a garden featuring large benches and cushions for a more summery atmosphere.

The opening of the Miu Miu flagship is part of an overall brand strategy to expand and strengthen the luxury brand’s worldwide presence. By the end of this year, Miu Miu plans to open 13 more stores worldwide, with 4 of them set to debut in the Italian market.

Wunderkind Vintage, Berlin

Auguststrasse 75

10119 Berlin

+493028041817

www.wunderkind.de

info@wunderkind.de

Wunderkind Philosophy

Wunderkind is Wolfgang Joop's personal vision of what a contemporary, sophisticated and independent woman wants in her wardrobe. It is an intimate and emotional expression, an exploration of the contradictions and dualities inherent in each woman.

Wunderkind celebrates a sense of freedom, which defies sartorial conventions and offers a unique taste in modern elegance.

Wonderfully Old
Wunderkind Vintage takes out the inconvenient part of vintage—their selection of clothing eliminates tours through musky closets, rather they bring in the best directly from Wunderkind boutiques around the world. Skipping the sale and outlet part of retail, last season gowns and costumes are ennobled with the vintage crown.

The spacious, light-filled space has just the right amount of luxurious furnishings to make fingering through the delightful garments a pleasureful experience.

J. Crew Bridal Store, NY

Here Comes The Brides...

The J.Crew campaign to dress every girl, every day, soldiers on, and the retailer’s first bridal boutique makes a strong case that the wedding day should be no exception. The bi-level space on Madison Avenue marks the first expansion: J.Crew bridal collection, which launched in 2004 with three styles, is available all in one, bricks-and-mortar location, and despite the neighborhood, dress prices start around $300.

It also marks the debut of the new 769 cocktail collection, which will be mostly exclusive to the store. Though designed by the bridal team, head of wedding design Tom Mora is quick to note that it’s all-occasion cocktail fare, not just bridesmaid frocks. (A full rack of black dresses, not to mention a mannequin in sequined harem pants, bears him out.)

The downstairs, appointment-only bridal salon can accommodate a blushing bride-to-be and scores of family and friends, while upstairs, buyers can pick up nuptial accessories (collaborative and exclusive pieces from Lulu Frost, Miriam Haskell, Fenton/Fallon, and Albertus Swanepoel) and a few honeymoon necessities like Cosabella lingerie and Histoire de Parfums scents, too.

Executive creative director Jenna Lyons mused on a timeless truth of aisle-walkers: As much as things change, girls still want to be married in pretty dresses.

Maison Hermes, Tokyo

Maison Hermès
Window Display Designer: Tokujin Yoshioka
Website: www.tokujin.com

Maison Hermès, Tokyo, by Renzo Piano is the corporate headquarters and retail store for Hermès Japan. The program includes offices, workshops, retail and exhibition spaces, multimedia areas and a roof garden. It is an elegant, glowing, rectangular form which has been carefully crafted from specially designed 45cm x 45cm glass blocks which give the impression of the building as a precious object containing equally precious objects.

Maison Hermès installation by Tokujin Yoshioka from Dezeen on Vimeo.
Tokujin Yoshioka designed Maison Hermès window display in Tokyo, which is on display from November 19 to January 19 2010. In case you have no time to hop to Tokyo, check out the video (follow the link).
What do you think of the amazing artwork?

Dries Van Noten, Paris

Dries Van Noten
7, Quai Malaquais
75006 Paris
0033144270040

7 Quai Malaquais is not just a tonied shopping address. Perhaps one of the most beautiful stores in Europe, Dries Van Noten's boutique on the Seine shouldn't be missed.

It is a visual feast, and inspiring beyond belief. The interior is based around Dries's favourite colour - imperial yellow - and the sunny hue covers everything from the designer's lookbook to his curtains. Dries Van Noten himself transformed the 17th-century space into an elegant apartment to house his private art collection “as it would have naturally evolved from the 17th to the 21st centuries.”

The split-level store features works like an 18th-century Antwerp cabinet in ebony and tortoiseshell, a 19th-century Japanese black lacquer cabinet and a retro ‘50s sofa covered in Prelle fabric. This, all spread about in a library and balcony, a dressing room, a drawing room and a conservatory.

Juicy Store, London

Presenting...
The first Juicy Coture store in the UK
Address: 26 Bruton Street, London W1
Website: www.juicycouture.com

Luxury lifestyle brand Juicy Couture is opening a London flagship store this July 2009.

Historical Streak

The Juicy Couture-Bruton Street love affair started with the discovery of the Hartnell building, Norman Hartnell’s atelier, where he designed Queen Elizabeth II’s clothing including her wedding gown.

The building has housed Juicy Couture’s showroom for the past five years and when the much admired townhouse next door became available, Juicy seized the opportunity to acquire it for their London flagship.

Built in 1705 and recognized by the London Heritage Society, this 4,000 square foot Georgian house will be split into two retail floors, with the remaining floors dedicated to the company’s showrooms and European offices.

Originally built as a private home, it was important to maintain the store’s residential feel while playing up Juicy’s unique irreverence, style and wit. The design concept for the London store showcases the brand’s creative identity while maintaining its status within the fashion world – giving a real sense of Hollywood fantasy, California freedom and eccentricity.

Inside the Store
The Bruton Street Juicy Couture flagship will offer apparel for women and kids, sleepwear, and accessories - including handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and shoes.

Also available will be Bird by Juicy Couture, the brand’s latest collection, for the girl whose personality is evidenced through her cutting edge sense of style.

Pictures via Design Scene

Edon Manor, NY

Directly across the street from the menacing tower of Citibank’s downtown headquarters sits a one-of-a-kind boutique exuding luxury and calm.

Edon Manor
391 Greenwich St
between Beach and N. Moore Sts;
(212) 431-3890
Tues—Sat noon—7pm; Sun noon—6pm
www.edonmanor.com

Edon Manor, a recently-opened Tribeca shop that sells shoes and accessories, is as dedicated to presentation as it is to Proenza Schouler python pumps. An original, first rate accessories shop with a nod to English style.

It is that rare relationship between London and its countrysides, where the city fades and the rolling pastures begin, which has been the heart of this vision. Edon Manor certainly brings that distinctly English mood: comfort, tradition and eccentricity to New York City

Designed by the prestigious Kramer Design Group, the boutique is a study in graceful elegance. The interior is a cheeky take on an English library, where the shelves are spilling with feminine accessories, from the smart and the discreet to the loud runway cult pieces.

The footwear, handpicked by store owner Davinia Wang, is artfully displayed throughout the space. Valentino, Givenchy, Vivenne Westwood, Rupert Sanderson, and Sergio Rossi are among the designers offered, and many pairs were plucked straight from their runway shows. The selection ranges from demure (Carmen Ho ostrich ballet flats) to straight up sex-on-legs (Givenchy patent open-toe mules).

>Edon Manor is a down-town where to go for hard to find ready to wear shoes and nondescript, effortlessly cool British staples. It's a place where women can find all the trimmings of the season in one place!

What more can I say, books and high heels... two of my favorite things in the world!

Prada Contemporary Store, Paris

Prada has announced the opening of a five-month temporary shop at Place Beauvau, in Paris, inspired by the French poet, Apollinaire.

Designed by the architect, Roberto Baciocchi, the front of the store evokes the image of the Mirabeau Bridge, immortalised in Guillaume Apollinaire’s poem, ‘Le Pont Mirabeau’, and the first bridge in the city to be built from metal. The bridge silhouette is emphasised by a dramatic trajectory towards the staircase, where mannequins are grouped to recreate a Parisian street scene.

The motif is carried through more abstractly in ground floor areas, which are furnished with lilac carpeting and sofas, bronzed-metal and glass displays. The two-level shop space also incorporates Milanese history, with its black and white chequered marble floor, as seen in the original Prada store of 1913 in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Pictures via Design Scene

Burberry Store, Singapore

I'm thrilled to hear that Burberry announced the opening of their largest store in the South East Asia. The 815 square metre store located in ION Orchard, Singapore’s shopping centre for art, architecture, and luxury, opened on Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

The store carries a full range of ready-to-wear for both menswear and womenswear from the Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London, Burberry Lifestyle, Burberry Sports and Burberry Childrenswear collections. The Burberry accessories collection including bags, jewellery, shoes as well as fragrance, timepieces and sunglasses lines is also available in the store.

The brand-new interior reflects the new Burberry design concept, developed by Burberry Creative Director, Christopher Bailey. Intrinsically British materials and themes are used throughout in a contemporary way. The store also features state of the art technology including cutting edge sound system, a WIFI connection throughout, VIP room with in built iPod docking stations and a giant 103” high definition LED video wall.

To mark the ION Orchard store opening, Burberry has designed a range of exotic leather accessories including handbags, clutches and small leather goods available exclusively in the store.

Hmmm.... Shop 'till you drop!

Pictures via Design Scene