Chinese studio Neri&Hu has recently completed the interior of fashion brand Comme Moi’s flagship store in Shanghai. Located in Shanghai’s Donghu Hotel, an Art Deco building completed in 1925, the store is laid out as a series of four sequential chambers, linked through continuous design elements. The retail space is integrated with a continuous rail, threading through the individual rooms while forming the armature for custom designed hanging cabinets.
Sheathed in an elegant metal mesh, these showcase cabinets stand out within the historic architectural surroundings to present the fashion pieces in a striking new light. A new terrazzo floor also unifies the space and occasionally extrudes up to form sculptural function areas like the reception counter and seating, with wood inserts as accent. Guided by the metal rails and continuous flooring, shoppers can meander freely through the various chambers and end their journey at the lounge space. Since its completion in the early 20th century, the building has undergone multiple renovations and changes in use – something the architects wished to highlight.
all images © Dirk Weiblen