SAINT LAURENT AVENUE MONTAIGNE STORE
2013-05-13Under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane, the 900 m2 store is a physical embodiment of the brand’s realigned visual identity. An emphasis on rich, noble materials, generous proportions and architectural clarity as well as a preference for simplicity
over elaborate decoration bestows an air of serene, contemporary luxury and evokes the works and philosophies of the Union des Artistes Modernes (UAM).
Situated over two floors, the new store architecture and design is a modernist transposition of French Art Deco techniques and materials. The predominantly monochrome space exploits generous slabs of the finest ‘noir soie’ and
‘blanc statuaire’ marble set in opposition to board formed concrete walls. Silver and gold is found in 1930’s mirrored vitrines, with nickel-plated and mirror polished brass, atop a minimal concrete flooring. Stark contrasts in mood and atmosphere are created through the employment of dark sensual quilted leather upholstery
paired with extra-clear glass and mirrors while suspended hangbars in nickel-plated brass and minimalist marble display
podiums form elegant counterpoints to the flat surfaces.
Decoration is derived from the materials themselves. The natural veining in the marble and the concrete walls allow the architecture to retain a purity of form and a geometric rigor.
