The fashion aura of Paris almost has mythical proportions, resonating with a global audience for many decades. No wonder, it’s here where many a luxury brand goes the extra yard when it comes to retail presence. Very recently, Alexander McQueen has stepped up by opening a new flagship store, its biggest on the planet to date, on prestigious rue St.-Honoré. Occupying no less than 1,555 sqm. (16,738 sq.ft.) spread across two floors of a listed 18th-century building by French architect Robert de Cotte (1656-1735), and partially, an adjacent historic building, the retail space features a collaborative interior design by Alexander McQueen‘s creative director Sarah Burton and acclaimed Chilean architect Smiljan Radić. Similar to other boutiques of the London-based fashion house, the main material used throughout the premises is wood—oak and walnut, light and dark.

The material is captured by floors and walls showing off intricately engineered, dynamic patterns. Traditional techniques are combined with innovative design, and are very much aligned with the brand’s profile within the fashion universe. There’s the decorative use of cotton-crete, a cotton-based papier mâché in the fitting rooms, which themselves are located inside large glass cylinders that pierce the interior, while also reflecting light. They’re lined in tapestries developed from prints from the ready-to-wear collections and woven by specialist artisans in Italy. Further elevating the shopping experience are lapi gris stone artworks created by the renowned Chilean sculptor Marcela Correa. These chunky objects can be found on both floors and help shoppers navigate the stunning retail space.