Italian fashion house Valentino has continued its collaboration with British architect David Chipperfield for its new flagship boutique on London’s Old Bond Street. The 409-square-metre store on one of the UK capital’s most prestigious shopping streets was designed by Chipperfield with Valentino creative directors Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli.
Hard Venetian terrazzo and marble surfaces are paired with soft carpets to create the impression of a grand Italian house. Across the front of the upper floors, a four-by-three grid of windows surrounded by Portland stone displays one mannequin in each opening – akin to ancient Roman buildings where statues were placed in rows of niches.
Terrazzo clads the ground-floor facade, framing a large window and a recessed doorway lined with oak. Inside, oak is also used for a combined lift and staircase, which forms a focal feature in the centre of the store and connects its f our levels. The wood is continued on vitrines and display cases on all floors, contrasting with Carrara marble podiums also used to presented accessories.
Marble wraps around the columns on the ground floor, while more grey terrazzo covers the walls on the upper floors of the store. Womenswear products including ready-to-wear garments, accessories and fragrances are all carried at the boutique, which also features a VIP area to provide services for customers with appointments.
http://www.dezeen.com/2016/03/10/david-chipperfield-valentino-store-flagship-boutique-london/