Chinese fashion brand ANNAKIKI is making strides. Founded by Shenzhen-based Anna Yang, a designer whose forward womenswear style have gained a large following on home turf, and now also increasingly abroad. The latter effect is largely due to the fact that Yang has presented her collections at Milan Fashion Week since 2017. However, further raising her profile in China remains very much on of the main priorities, and recently the designer launched its very first branded retail space in Chongqing, a fast-growing megalopolis in Southwest China. The store, situated at The MixC, an upscale shopping mall in the city’s Xiejiawan area, occupies a 108 sqm. (1,163 sq.ft.) and features an interior design by architecture practice Joy Season.

The main design objective of Hector Liang, the lead architect of the aforementioned practice, was to create a compelling setting that would sweep shoppers off their feet, and has has done so by infusing his sleek design with a solid infusion of red, a colour which the Chinese readily associate with good fortune and joy. The design of the ANNAKIKI boutique is understated and slightly futuristic, featuring a sales counter and other sections in a bright red hue, paired with walls clad in shiny metal panels, and polished concrete flooring.

Adding to the visual drama that the red colour conveys, is an installation of red thread coils. Taking centre stage is an aligned formation of 18 pink faux marble pillars, serving as displays for accessories, and which are matched with a similar formation of lams which protrude from above to highlight what’s presented right below. The arched windows balance out the linear design, and are replicated indoors where they serve as a decorative partition between the space where the collections are shown and the semi-secluded sales counter. The new ANNAKIKI boutique carries the brand’s full range of apparel items, in addition to a curated range 0f accessories by other brands.