Hot on the heels of other luxury brands that have set up shop here in recent years, Dior has followed suit with a flagship in San Francisco’s Union Square neighbourhood. And although it caters to a different demographic, the new store makes up a little for the recent closure of the Dior Homme boutique. Not surprisingly, it’s a high-profile location, situated in multi-storey building that has been entirely encapsulated in layers of translucent glass to preserve the masonry in an artful manner. The lavish interior, designed by New York City-based architect and longtime collaborator Peter Marino, and draws inspiration from the luxury brand’s iconic mothership on Avenue Montaigne in Paris.

The ground floor is dedicated to a mix of merchandise across all categories, including handbags and accessories, and there’s also a salon for fine jewellery and watches. One floor up, along a dramatic staircase embedded in a huge video wall, Dior’s ready-to-wear collections are presented. Also to be found on this floor is a separate salon for footwear. Adding up to an immersive and unique shopping experience are a variety of commissioned furnishings and artworks on the premises, ranging from India Mahdavi’s bishop stools, the aforementioned video wall by Yoram Mevorach Oyoram, and Rob Wynne’s dots mirror glass installation.

Photography by Kristen Pelou

http://superfuture.com/supernews/san-francisco-dior-store-opening