Maison Valentino’s refreshed boutique in Marina Bay Sands is the embodiment of discreet luxury and refined eclecticism.
Besides proceedings in Milan where the Milan Fashion Week is currently ongoing, Valentino has something to cheer about on more familiar shores too: the maison’s newly-renovated boutique inside The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (MBS). Following the announcement of maestro Alessandro Michele as the maison’s new Creative Director earlier this year, the season of change continues with a global retail refresh — the MBS boutique being the first outpost in Singapore to be done up in a new concept.
On the topic of the new concept — its design story is centred around a new interpretation of the brand’s relationship with its clients. Incorporating the best of Italian hospitality, this is manifest in a consumer journey that takes the form of a guided ritual through store spaces. Through this human touch and greater sense of intimacy within the retail experience, it is clear that human connections and relationships are at the forefront of the store’s celebration of the maison’s iconic codes and Italian heritage.
Interior-wise, the refreshed boutique reflects the maison’s identity as a Maison de Couture, and its artisanal approach and aesthetic. The floors are composed of a combination of luxe Botticino and Sahara Noir green onyx marble — finely crafted into sharp, geometric shapes. Together with black timber, the myriad textures and colours contributing to the sense of warmth, elegance and discreet luxury. The rest of the boutique is also done up in an eclectic palette of materials and details, deriving inspiration from Roman buildings — where the maison is based — setting the tone for an intimate shopping experience in a relaxed, refined environment.
Diving deeper into the details, the maison also engaged specialist craftsmen to produce bespoke objects for the respective spaces. Ceramics specialist Massimiliano Pipolo — who has previously worked with the likes of Maison Margiela, Prada, Versace and KENZO — was brought in to craft the boutique’s handmade ceramic door handles, distinctively characterised by organic shapes, suspended between functionality and abstraction.
The occasion of the refreshed boutique’s opening was also graced by both regional and local celebrities, with Thai heartthrobs Great Sapol, Ryu Vachirawich and Inn Sarin making appearances. Local screen stars Desmond Tan and Chen Yixin were also in attendance, together with talented musicians Shye, Iman Fandi and ALYPH.
The boutique is slated to showcase both women’s and men’s RTW collections with Valentino Garavani accessories, eyewear and fragrances, in a cozy setup featuring unexpected design details.
Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our June/July 2024 issue, starring Jeff Satur on the cover.
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