The iconic allure of Audrey Hepburn informs the design of a new multi-brand fashion boutique in the Xiaoshan District of Hangzhou, China. Aptly named AUDREY, the 3,200-square-foot retail space was crafted by Liang Architecture through a lens of “retro-futurism” that embodies the graceful composure of its namesake. “The textures of the space and structures are simple, but expressive,” says Liang Architecture founder and design director Xu Liang.
A classic and confident attitude is expressed across the store through a balance of elegant curves and sharp geometric elements. Soft fabrics and retro wooden textures offset the coolness of concrete and metal materials, as well as blur boundaries between different areas of the store. Equipped with seating, a semi-enclosed symmetrical display area welcomes customers upon arrival. “We introduced church-like structures into the space,” Liang adds. “The central-axis-based composition and symmetric languages was used in the space, featuring a sense of ritual and holiness. It’s free, yet sedate to some degree.”
Linking both floors of the store, a spiral staircase acts as a major focal point, infusing romance into the atmosphere via inviting textile cladding. The second floor houses the VIP display area, where the retail experience is further elevated into a ritual. The exclusive space was designed with the same central axis and symmetry of the ground floor.
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