For many decades, the Dutch capital was better known for its treasure-filled museums and scenic sights, but in recent years the city has slowly emerged as a destination for luxury shopping as well. Around the corner from three of Amsterdam‘s leading museums sits P.C. Hooftstraat, an inconspicuous and usually tranquil side street, albeit one lined with boutiques from fashion and lifestyle’s upper echelon. It’s no surprise high-end eyewear brand Oliver Peoples has picked this location to open its newest flagship store. Occupying 100 sqm. (1,076 sq.ft.) spread over two floors of an early 20th century building with a red brick façade, the retail space has been designed by the brand’s creative director Giampiero Tagliaferri and his in-house design team, featuring Oliver Peoples‘ signature Mid-Century Modern meets Nordic minimalism design codes. However, as the brand does not adhere to generic retail spaces, the design here also takes cues from volumes, materials and hues which reminded Tagliaferri of historic Dutch interiors. Previously, the ground floor and upper floor were connected by a concealed staircase, but the new lay-out has made it an integral element with the steps blending into shelves and platforms to display glasses, books, and a turntable to play old vinyl records.

Upon entering, shoppers are met by a circular sales counter – and a playful Ron Gilad-designed chandelier hovering over it – flanked on both sides by dark timber cabinets and sleek shelving, all suspended by floor-to-ceiling stilts. Making use of a modest atrium construction, the centre of the boutique features a wood swing as a reminder that being playful feels good at every age and, if you ask us, as a nod to the city’s quirky vibe. Upstairs, a more intimate setting can be found, featuring more cabinets and shelving, in addition to a homey seating arrangement with a round marble table paired with Marcel Breuer chairs and a rug, in addition to another design chair and small table. Special attention has been given to lighting as the aforementioned statement chandelier demonstrates. While downstairs the entire Oliver Peoples collection is presented, the first floor serves as a more intimate fitting room mostly dedicated to optical styles and special releases. And speaking of which, in celebration of the store opening, the brand has released ten custom pieces of the Coleridge Sun, an understated design with clean lines for a classic, vintage-inspired look. The sunglasses are reinterpreted for the Amsterdam boutique in an exclusive colourway with silver and shale gradient lenses. For added exclusivity, each style is stamped ‘Exclusive at Amsterdam’ to highlight the bespoke offering.