Vivienne Westwood opens its first flagship store in Paris and the first in France. Located on Rue Saint-Honoré 175, the shop – designed by Simona Franci, Design Director and partner of Fortebis Group – spreads over 280 square meters over two floors and launches a new concept for the Vivienne Westwood flagship store in the world. The new concept reflects the brand’s DNA. Using a mix of sustainable and natural materials, the furniture is inspired by the industrial raw simplicity and the iconic elements of Westwood world which integration creates a friendly space where to accommodate the cutting edge creations of the brand. In the same building, at the upper floors, are located the showroom, the tailor made and the press office of the fashion house.

Starting from the very beginning of the design the goal was to maintain and represent the strong values that Vivienne Westwood carries since its origins. The development of furniture and the choice of materials were made in parallel in order to guarantee the perfect match of details. The main materials are plywood, iron, resin, carpet and plasterboard; they repeat themselves in different finishes trying to enrich the furniture and the final effect of the space. Much attention was put on the architectural and furniture details that made the difference. Indeed the development of furniture was scrupulously studied with the client and the millworkers so to have the requested feeling of industrial raw simplicity.

The floor alternates resin and carpet and respect to the walls has its own distinctive design. The partition of these two materials is made so to break the space and give perspective to clients. The lighting project was also took inconsideration since the start as it defines and divides the space according to functional parts. The lightcoves at the center of the room and all along the main walls are used not only to locate the spots but also to hide all the air grills and the rest of technical equipment. In this way the ceiling has its own simplicity and clear design that matches with rest of details.

The position of all mep system was studied very carefully so to guarantee the final wanted result. The lighting projects differs from the rest of commercial areas as tends to represent a more theatrical mood, giving attention to specific elements and increasing the beauty of the special. One of the most important points of reference, the heart of the shop, is the chandelier along the main staircase, as it is handmade and represents the logo of the brand. The new flagship with the adjacent showroom are the new French home for the Westwood people.

Images courtesy of Vivienne Westwood