Jil Sander Debuts a Fresh Retail Concept in New Tokyo Flagship

“My vision for the store was always of a place charged with a sense of quiet depth and permanence, where the first thing you register is the atmosphere, rather than the architecture: simple, meticulously pared back spaces,” said John Pawson, the architect behind the boutique.

Instead of a façade bearing the traditional glassed-in display of the latest collections, Pawson opted for a long window at street level, which gives passersby an immediate overview of the store’s interior, its structure, and mood. The transparent peek into the calm atmosphere banishes the barriers between interior and exterior, automatically creating a wide-open welcome to the outside world.

Inside, Pawson chose natural, unpainted materials like limestone, cherry wood, and lime plaster, omitting the use of paint and relying on local craftsmanship to create a soulful, sincere environment. As guests browse the minimalistic layout of timber shelves and glass vitrines, an effortless choreography falls into place, aided by details like linen seating and indoor plants.

“The result reflects the way the work was done: the way it looks is how it happened,” said Lucie and Luke Meier, the brand’s creative directors.

In celebration of the store’s opening, Jil Sander also announced the release of a limited-edition handbag. Available exclusively at the Tokyo flagship, the Tangle Bag comes in white leather and features a contrasting black logo.