French contemporary fashion brand A.P.C. has firmly rooted in Japan since its arrival in 1991, operating no less than 28 stores and shop-in-shops nationwide. However, the Paris-based company still finds room to expand in one of its most important markets, and has just inaugurated a new store in Nishinomiya. The city, which is, with neighbouring municipality Ashiya, one of the most affluent urban areas in Japan, forms part of the sprawling conurbation Osaka–Kobe. The A.P.C. store can be found on the second floor of Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens, the largest shopping centre in this part of the country, flanked by the boutiques of other premium brands, such as United Arrows, Journal Standard, and BEAMS.

The interior design, created French architect and longtime collaborator Laurent Deroo, is exemplary of A.P.C.‘s retail aesthetic, featuring a clean, understated open space with furnishings and fixtures of light timber. Two large volumes, one serving as display, and the other being the sales counter, take centre stage, flanked on either side by floor-to-ceiling poles used to display apparel pieces. Two tiered shelving units in the back showcase bags, shoes and accessories. The new A.P.C. store stocks men’s and women’s collections, in addition to denim pieces and candles. In celebration of the store opening, the brand’s Grace bag was released in a dolce colour and is exclusive to the store. © superfuture.com