London – Lanvin has joined the designer flagship retail destination that is Mount Street in London’s Mayfair. The new store quietly exudes the insouciant charm and relaxed sophistication that has become a recognisable characteristic of the French fashion company. Classical Versailles parquet flooring complements the original moulded walls of a 19th-century interior. Curved cabinets in richly lacquered finishes echo the elegance of 1930s living – a brief period bridging the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. The latter, with its leanings towards industrialism, is brought to the fore with alternative areas of the store that feature cement surfaces and exposed steel.
Traditional Georgian elements, reconditioned fireplaces and original cornices operate as a backdrop to discreet contemporary design flourishes. A crystal screen doubles up as wall support and a setting for Lanvin artistic director Alber Elbaz’s charming in-store vignettes. Similarly, raw steel armoires, a mirrored powder room, crystal glass ornaments and shelves laden with covetable jewellery imbue the boutique with a compelling atmosphere of conviviality.
Look out for our forthcoming report on Alphalux – the new understanding set to change the look, feel and emotional experience of luxury over the coming years.