Alexander Wang opens new London flagship store
ALEXANDER Wang may have hit the headlines recently as he parted ways with Balenciaga, but the designer's own- name fashion house is going from strength to strength, if its new London flagship is anything to go by.
The house has unveiled its new space in a former post office, offering the complete range of Wang's men's and women's ready- towear, T by Alexander Wang and accessories collections, as well as the “Objects” collection.
Wang collaborated with Belgian architect Vincent van Duysen on the concept and the design execution of the three- level store, with the decor focused on a minimalistic, utilitarian approach, emphasizing a play on textures and materials.
“I've always loved London and I am so proud and excited to open my first European flagship store here,” said Wang. “The multi- level space and the historical structure of the building gave us the opportunity to evolve our retail concept, and to adapt it specifically to this location.”
“The rich heritage of the building and the Mayfair area juxtaposed with Alex's fascination with less traditional materials – such as rubber, distressed chrome, embossed leath- ers – and the ‘ unexpected’, create something very special that speaks strongly to our combined aesthetic – geometric proportions with a refined contemporary edge,” explained Vincent van Duysen.
The store's interior reflects its exterior, featuring a geometric grid of silver travertine columns, beams and in- wall niches in matte black recycled rubber. In opposition, elegant, curved and continuous chrome tubes define display fixtures delineated by a composition of black rubber- effect metal coating, which is used on all cabinetry, creating curvilinear edges and tactile surfaces. Monolithic spatial forms are softened by a sculpted central staircase, fabricated in dark grey concrete, encased in black rubber, and with a handrail in embossed stingray leather.
Custom- designed furniture by Alexander Wang for Poltrona Frau sits alongside re- editions of 1970s Italian design by Gianfranco Frattini by Tacchini, and sculptural works by artists Ben Storms and Gerard Kuijpers.
The opening marks the 25th store worldwide for the Alexander Wang brand, and the first freestanding store in Europe. – AFP Relaxnews