Preview: Native Narratives

19 : 05 : 2015 Luxury : Cultural Fluidity : Retail Interiors

Global – In a snapshot of our Inspire section, we look at an emerging design direction that is influencing retail spaces and installations.

  • The new aesthetic employs references to indigenous art from across south Asia, Africa, and South and North American cultures
  • Designers and creative directors are highlighting the cultural fluidity and rich heritage of brands
Saint Laurent flagship store in Paris Saint Laurent flagship store in Paris
Loewe flagship store, Miami Loewe flagship store, Miami
Christian Laboutin beauty boutique, images courtesy of the New York Times Christian Laboutin beauty boutique, images courtesy of the New York Times

Cultural artefacts, primitive sculptures and masks are being used to soften the minimal, ultra-modern interiors of luxury boutiques. Saint Laurent’s Parisian flagship store was recently redesigned to house a collection of African art from the private collection of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Positioning the masks against mirrors, Hedi Slimane created multiple reflections to conjure a magical atmosphere.

The Big Picture: To find out how the captivating narratives of Neo-Tolkienism are starting to influence the luxury landscape, read our Native Narratives micro inspire.

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