When it comes to retail design it’s hard to move past the sophistication and spectacle of marble, but few stores have used it with as much panache as Apropos’ new multi-brand men’s concept store in Hamburg.
Designed by Paris-based architects Rodolphe Parente and Benjamin Liatoud and located adjacent to the retailer’s womenswear store with views of Alster Lake, the store is a mélange of textures and striking hues. ‘We enjoy the duality in the materials, luxurious and raw, precious and patinated,’ explains Parente. ‘We appreciate expressive materials, and this is why our choices turn toward colourful and graphic marbles, delicate and sensual fabrics, grained and warm woods, flamboyant and powdery colours.’
Bubblegum pink carpets met teal upholstered chairs and vice versa, while multi-coloured marble blocks are stacked on top of each other to create graphic display cases and shelving. ‘It was designed to be more like a residential apartment than a store,’ adds Parente. ‘It feels like being in a large, welcoming and sophisticated living room.’ A home that’s flooded with natural light and dotted with intriguing design details from ribbed columns finished with bronze bases to a concertina wood grain screen that lines one wall.
‘The vivid setting talks to a selection of very refined products,’ sums up Parente, referring to the fashion edit, which includes Lanvin, Saint Laurent, Thom Browne and Off-White. Accessories, grooming and a selection of design tomes top off this tactile menswear universe.
