London based designer, Maria Grachvogel is set to celebrate the opening of her new London flagship store at 18 Culford Gardens, SW3 this September. The official launch will coincide with London Fashion Week where Maria is showcasing her Spring / Summer ’12 collection, following a soft launch opening in August. The store has been designed by Russell Sage, the designer behind the interiors at the Savoy Grill, the restaurant at Claridges, the Zetter Townhouse and Stapleford Park.
The 3 storey 2500 sq feet Victorian townhouse will house the new flagship store displaying Maria’s Ready to Wear collection, an adjoining atelier and Maria’s private office. The store will also incorporate a more intimate space dedicated to the designer’s couture and bridal lines and VIP customer fittings while a bespoke trouser bar will showcase the label’s renowned ‘Magic Pants.’
The store concept encapsulates Maria’s love of creativity, clean lines and continuity that is evident throughout the store, couture space and adjoining office. Although split over the different levels, the entire space has been designed as a ‘home’ rather than separate departments and the eclectic interior reflects this; specially sourced pieces such as a 1930s pop up cocktail bar, walnut and chrome movable library and decorative Deco tables will sit alongside the clothes rails and spacious changing rooms. The luxurious retail environment references the artist Tamara de Lempicka and the Art Deco movement with black Perspex, mirror detail and the use of original 1930s furniture to display leather goods, footwear and jewellery. The neutral colour scheme is accented with black and white; a pale, polished limestone floor features alongside brushed steel rails and is highlighted with an upholstered fabric wall in Maria’s signature hand-painted Artwork print. The wall has been designed so that the fabric can be changed seasonally, adding to the versatility of the space while customers will be offered the option to purchase the various chairs and foot stools upholstered in similar fabrics.
MORE: http://bit.ly/r5bHxL
