When it comes to conceiving spectacular high-end retail spaces for the world’s biggest brands, the leather-clad, motorcycle-riding founder of design firm Peter Marino Architects is the go-to guy. It’s the way the American architect layers tactile textures and rich materials to create memorable, on-brand shopping experiences that has luxury brands knocking on his door. Check out five of his most striking recently unveiled stores to see what all the fuss is about.
Fendi
Madison Avenue, New York City
Fur, fur, glorious fur: of course this is the focus of Fendi’s sumptuous Manhattan flagship store. The Italian brand has long been synonymous with this luxurious material, and this 6,300-square-foot Madison Avenue store takes this love to another level. Marino celebrates this with the store’s showpiece: an astounding tapestry of fur samples, where Fendi’s prowess with colour and pattern is showcased in a statement-making display. Beautiful petrified-wood flooring and broad strips of brown-and-gold lacquer on the walls give it an extra Marino-esque touch. See what other fabulous places you should check out in NYC and other Fashion capitals.
Bulgari
Studio City, Macau
Marino is the master of weaving and layering materials. And there’s no better example than the gorgeous new Bulgari store at The Boulevard in Studio City. Here, he expertly brings together traditional Italian materials to create an exquisite contemporary atmosphere. There’s black antique marble and travertine columns in the entrance; walnut parquet inlaid in a degradé star pattern on floors. And overhead, it’s even more grandiose: a stepped dome in the VIP area gives this elegant store an element of Roman Pantheon.
Ermenegildo Zegna
Osaka, Japan
Admit it, gents: this store makes you want to throw on a suit, pour a glass of single malt, and recline in an elegantly masculine chair. Right? The Marino-designed Osaka Global Store, located in the luxury shopping district Shinsaibashi-suji, exudes the essence of Ermenegildo Zegna tailoring: clean lines, angular elements. There’s also a special room dedicated to Stefano Pilati’s new couture collection, decked out in ivory oak and parchment mixed with dark wood and antique bronze. And the façade is striking too, with stripes of metal and glass mixed with illuminated Zegna monograms.
Graff Diamonds
Studio City, Macau; St George’s Building, Hong Kong
Oh, those jewel-like windows: these are unmistakable hallmarks of Peter Marino. Both the Hong Kong and Macau Graff boutiques bear these striking elements, illuminated by Graff’s motif in a repeating pattern. The interiors are a glittering palette of gold, bronze, cool green and grey, referencing Graff’s penchant for standout masterpieces and giant gems. And for emphasis, the Hong Kong store features a modern green, gold and silver chandelier that hangs from silver rods.
Louis Vuitton
Fifth Avenue, New York City
It’s as much about art and design as fashion at LV’s flagship store, which launched in late 2015. Sculptures chosen by Marino himself – including a piece by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama – and bespoke furniture give this space its museum quality. It’s a vibe that’s enhanced by triple-height ceilings and artfully designed bronze-and-wood staircases.
