Celine has launched a new architectural design concept for its retail locations worldwide, beginning with the opening of a new storefront at 650 Madison Avenue in New York City. Featuring a design conceived by the brand’s creative director, Hedi Slimane, the boutique’s 5000 square foot layout (Celine’s largest location to date) highlights the juxtaposition of natural materials and a balanced and expansive sculptural interior.
Essential to the concept is the use of natural stones like basaltina (for flooring) and ginger and cream-veined black granite (seen in walls and shelving), as well as a combination of marbles and grey travertine. Complementing the stone, Slimane chose materials like reclaimed oak, polished stainless steel, brass, gold, and concrete, in order to create a refined-yet-Brutalist environment within the spacious boutique.
The space also includes furniture designed by Slimane himself, which interacts with the sculptural architecture of the interiors—seen in pieces like a set of tan leather and wood benches and a sculptural side table in brass. Incorporated throughout locations internationally are site-specific artworks by artists like James Balmforth, Jose Davila, Oscar Tuazon, and Elaine Cameron Weir.
Following the launch on Madison Avenue, Celine will extend the design concept, beginning with Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, London, Shanghai, Beijing, and Tokyo. And in the future the house will debut new sites catered to menswear only.
