Acqua di Parma’s Seoul-based café is a rhapsody of yellow and blue
Acqua di Parma Yellow Café is a vibrant space with a playful design, guaranteed to boost serotonin levels even on the rainiest day
Acqua di Parma has opened a playfully vibrant café in the heart of Seoul’s Lotte Tower Mall in South Korea. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, Acqua di Parma Yellow Café beautifully balances Italian architectural details with the energetic nature of Seoul, delivering a colourful space that is fun and sophisticated.
A reflection of the brand's Mediterranean roots, the boutique café is finished in noble white stone. Arches, and vaults replicate a Milanese cityscape, while splashes of azure blues and citrus yellows happily boost serotonin levels upon entering.
Step inside Acqua di Parma Yellow Café
The maison’s iconic art deco bottle is a source of inspiration throughout the space. Whether it be subtle detailing within table and column design to two life-size Blu Mediterraneo that stand tall at the entrance, the brand’s identity is notable throughout.
The warming hues of the maison’s signature colour palette make for an inviting space, while the vivid design gently nods to the Memphis movement. Round tables and soft yellow seating create a cosy ambience, encouraging communal conversations and interactions. Acqua di Parma products, (which are all made in Italy since the brand was founded in 1916) gracefully line the shelves of the central kitchen area. Meilichzon honed in on the brand’s affinity with citrus, integrating citrus peel textures and swirling curves into the design from sculptures to textural plaster.
The café’s decadent menu also creates an aroma of fresh citrus notes reminiscent of the maison’s fragrances. Drawing from Italian cuisine it includes a light panna cotta, colonia tart, tiramisu, and lemon or orange mousse cake, which will be updated seasonally and in occurrence with the maison’s new launches. Whether it be to browse the shelves to indulge in the scents of Blu Mediterraneo or Colonia, or to take part in coffee-tasting masterclasses, Acqua di Parma Yellow Café serves up a slice of Italian sun.
‘Designing the Acqua di Parma space in South Korea was an exploration of cultural synthesis and vibrant aesthetics,’ says the designer Meilichzon. ‘My vision was to build bridges that connect the architectural heritage of Italy, particularly Milanese design, with the dynamic spirit of South Korea, especially Seoul. I drew inspiration from the Memphis movement, while paying homage to giant monuments, white stone, arches, vaults, and porticos that speak of timeless beauty. They are all coming together to create a space that is as much a cultural dialogue as it is a design statement.’
Acqua di Parma Yellow Café is open now.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Tianna Williams is the Editorial Executive at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she has contributed to BBC Wales, SurfGirl Magazine, and Parisian Vibe, with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial. Now, her role covers writing across varying content pillars for Wallpaper*.
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
How to buy art: the accessible new market
Thanks to a growing pool of art advisers, digital intelligence and collector groups, buyers are better equipped than ever
By Annabel Keenan Published
-
The coolest design-led coffee shops in Seoul
Seoul counts more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the world – cut straight to our six must-visit spots
By Robert Schneider Published
-
‘Between London and Seoul’: Stefan Cooke crosses continents with Solid Homme collection
South Korean label Solid Homme has tapped Stefan Cooke for a continent-crossing collection designed between London and Seoul and influenced by Americana, 15th-century armour, and the 2000s music scene. Designers Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt tell Wallpaper* more
By Jack Moss Published
-
How the 15-step Korean scalp treatment rejuvenates hair like nothing else
The viral 15-step Korean scalp treatment at the Eco Jardin salon in Seoul wins a Wallpaper* Design Award 2024 – and here is why
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Aesop’s Seoul store is inspired by a Korean pavilion
To mark the recent opening of the Aesop Seochon store in Seoul, Wallpaper* hosted a panel discussion, including contributing editor Dal Chodha and the store’s architect partner Samuso Hyojadong
By Simon Mills Published
-
Lose yourself in Bottega Veneta’s parakeet-green maze in Seoul
The Italian label has erected a maze in a car park in Seoul, coloured in its signature vibrant hue. Dare you enter the shearling-lined labyrinth?
By Laura Hawkins Last updated
-
APC opens in Seoul's cosmopolitan Itaewon neighbourhood
By Ali Morris Last updated
-
Comme des Garçons’ new flagship store in Seoul
By Jessica Kiddle Last updated