Céline Pop-up Store - 2017
Beijing, China
Al-Jawad Pike
This concept showroom was designed by Jessam Al-Jawad and Dean Pike of London based architecture studio Al-Jawad Pike for fashion brand Céline. This space played the unique role of both physical showroom and art piece - a retail pavilion of sorts.
The material used to build the structure were important to its uniqueness. Al-Jawad and Pike used a translucent fiberglass as the structures main material which allowed them to be quite creative with the structure over all form. Large curved walls and arched openings give the structure it’s cavernous feel. While the translucency of the material allowed for the elements of light and texture to be emphasized. The choice of materials I’m sure was intentional. As materials in fashion can be used to evoke an emotional response, so does material use in architecture. When used in the same space, together, something special happens.
The synergy between architecture and fashion in the world of retail is something I have been quite interested with lately. The conversation between architect and fashion designer expressed through a physical space. Something that shouldn’t be overlooked, but properly dissected. Why shouldn’t the space used to display your favorite fashion brand be just as ascetically pleasing as the clothing and accessories themselves?