Mauboussin opens its new global flagship store on Place Vendome, Paris omni//form’s designs to be rolled out internationally
On 11 September, Mauboussin re-opened the doors of its Parisian flagship store on Place Vendome, the square that’s home to the world’s legendary fine jewelry houses. The 180- year old French jewelry firm hired New York-based architect and designer Regis Pean of omni//form to undertake the complete re-modeling project of its 2,000 sq. ft. store to create a contemporary customer experience. Unlike the conventional format one expects from a fine jewelry store, Pean has created a cool, relaxed and yet stylish shopping environment with the modern customer in mind.
Pean has proven experience of rolling out edgy retail stores globally with local flair “The interiors of the new store give a touch of urban cool while reflecting the taste and elegance of the historic and opulent surroundings,” says Pean.
Entrance & Main salon Behind the store’s golden window veils, Pean has created the impression of a wide-open, urban loft space with raw and luxury finishes: exposed brick walls stand in contrast to deep purple cerused wooden floors covered with in-laid purple/ golden hand-knotted carpets. A mirrored ceiling creates the illusion of a double height space. The loft space features display treasure boxes that miraculously stand on one elegant tapered leg like ballerinas in a dance studio as well as intimate seating areas with over-sized, high-backed sofas and fauteuil chairs for privacy.
Grand Salon In the “Grand Salon”, a huge fiber-optic chandelier cascades an explosion of color and light over a dramatically oversized marble counter juxtaposed by a graffiti painting on the rough brick wall. The counter serves as a sales bar - a fairly new format in the high end retail world - to accommodate customers with little time who know what they want.
Diamond Room A black-mirrored space where the gems are showcased in stark contrast under bright lights in black lacquer displays. In a museum like setting all color and light is cancelled out in this space to give the stones its maximum appearance.
Bridal Room Bridal jewelry can be viewed in a heavenly white space in the back featuring white feathers, satin moldings and mother of pearl satin covered furniture in contrast to the white washed raw brick walls. A mirrored wall is used to create the illusion of a double sized space and creates an atmosphere of grandeur.
The store also features a private VIP room for undisturbed transactions in an intimate setting.
