DOLCE&GABBANA MUHARRAQ, BAHRAIN
Dolce&Gabbana consolidates its presence in the Middle East by opening a prestigious boutique in the vibrant heart of the Marassi Galleria Mall in Bahrain.
Two large shop windows, framed by the distinctive black lava stone that characterizes the brand’s shops around the world, act as a visual introduction to the Dolce&Gabbana world, guiding visitors to immerse themselves in an experience of the brand’s codes.
Elegance and unmistakable style: the high ceilings and imposing volumes become the scenographic backdrops for the collections of the brand. Arranged on a single floor, the spaces are linear and contemporary, punctuated by luxurious seating that enriches the environment, creating welcoming lounges for sales.
The black of the floors dialogues in a harmonious contrast with the walls, which alternate precious gold finishes, wood and Etruscan Nuvolato marble, sourced from Italy and specially chosen for its design and hues.
The store hosts the Dolce&Gabbana Ready to Wear and Accessories for Women and Men and the Fine Jewelry.
CHOPARD LUSAIL, QATAR
Chopard along with partner Alfardan Jewellery announced the opening of a new Chopard boutique at the Place Vendôme Mall in Qatar, strategically located at the heart of Lusail city. The new boutique, located on the ground floor at Gate 3 VIP entrance, reflects the retail design concept of the Maison Chopard; a warm ambiance is created through the light-toned white oak wood and luxurious leathers assuring a comfortable modern charm.
Since its founding in 1860, Chopard has perpetuated a heritage of artisanal skills and traditional crafts by shaping contemporary creations synonymous with ethics and emotions. Guided by a resolutely positive vision of life, the Maison celebrates the precious moments of accomplished men and women around the world for whom watches and jewellery are a perpetual extension of their own Joie de Vivre.
In line with its vision, Chopard acts through the prism of three central elements: Craftsmanship, ensured by the work of passionate Artisans; abundant and generous Creativity, that enables each and every individual to find the precious objects most attuned to their own nature; and finally, Ethics. Strongly involved in the strategic choices of the Maison, the Scheufele family believes that contemporary luxury must necessarily be ethical and responsible. It was for this reason that in 2013 Caroline and KarlFriedrich Scheufele, co-presidents, launched the Journey to Sustainable Luxury, leading in 2018 to an announcement of the Maison to commit to use 100% ethical raw gold in producing all its watches and jewellery.
Today, the family Maison employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. It is independent and ARCHITECTURE 136 March 2024 highly vertically integrated, controlling the entire process from design to distribution. Over 50 different crafts are practiced in three manufacturing sites with a strong emphasis on in-house training and transmission. Chopard’s expertise in Fine Watchmaking is acknowledged in the L.U.C collection, a line of exceptional timepieces crafted for contemporary gentlemen. The Maison is highly recognized for Haute Joaillerie creations such as its Red Carpet Collection, Green Carpet Collection and the exceptional Garden of Kalahari Collection. Chopard has also built its reputation on iconic collections of watches and jewellery like Happy Diamonds, Happy Sport and Mille Miglia.
TOD’S NEW YORK CITY, U.S.
After an extensive renovation, Tod’s re-opened its iconic Brand flagship at 650 Madison Avenue reflecting quintessential Italian lifestyle and modern sophistication.
With a prime location in NYC’s most prestigious shopping area for over 20 years, the Tod’s Madison Avenue flagship spans over 2400 square feet. Every aspect of the flagship store has been meticulously chosen to highlight and complement the exquisite craftsmanship of Tod’s products.
The grand 14 feet tall windows allow for sunlight to illuminate the store and reflect off the white travertine floors. The boutique’s design features a sleek and linear décor with interior walls covered in naturally tanned “Vacchetta” leather, a Tod’s signature material. Panels of Pietra Grigia di Vicenza stone float in front of walls to create a beautifully textured neutral background for Tod’s products to be displayed.
At the entrance of the store, a floor to ceiling rosewood bookcase-style display serves as a backdrop, showcasing a large travertine table designed by Angelo Mangiarotti in 1971. Seating areas feature vintage armchairs by Corrado Corradi dell’Acqua and sofas that have been reinterpreted in Vacchetta leather and fabric.
Along the windows on 60th street, a doublesided bookcase in mirrored stainless steel and leather showcases and juxtaposes ready to wear, shoes and handbags, using narrow screens in carved travertine tiles and leather creating backgrounds in the vitrines. This showcase of meticulous craftsmanship further represents the brand’s commitment to quality and aesthetic sophistication.
The Tod’s boutique on Madison Avenue houses men’s and women’s ready to wear, accessories and footwear collections, including Tod’s icons such as the Gommino and Di Bag as well as the new T Timeless collection. The new 2023 Holiday collection will also be showcased in the boutique for the season.
MARLI MANAMA, BAHRAIN
Global fine jewelry brand MARLI New York announced the opening of its first boutique in Bahrain. Located within Moda Mall, a premier shopping destination situated in the capital city of Manama, this new location bolsters MARLI’s growing presence in the Middle East region.
The new boutique spans 110 square meters, and houses MARLI’s iconic Cleo and Avenues creations alongside contemporary favorites from the Tip-Top, Empire and LIFE collections. The unmistakable presence of the 18K gold jewelry featuring brilliant-cut diamonds and colorful gemstones is matched only by the prestigious legacy of Bahrain’s Moda Mall.
Conceptually crafted and designed in collaboration with design agency Aranda/Lasch, the Bahrain boutique is rich in warm, golden light, dynamically punctuated by vibrant turquoise accents that express the minimal aesthetic of the world of MARLI.
Visitors to the boutique are welcomed by MARLI New York’s iconic logo, set atop a statement making marble façade accented by vertical corrugated panels that speak to the vivacity of the gemstones to be discovered within. Brass accents serve as a nod to the remarkable craftsmanship that defines each of MARLI’s creations, and an exclusive VIP area within the boutique has been furnished with custom seating distinguished by turquoise and red agate upholstery.
The MARLI New York boutique is located on the ground floor of Moda Mall Bahrain.
XOCOLATTI NEW YORK, US
Xocolatti has emerged as a distinctive player in the gourmet chocolate industry, with a story that encapsulates innovation, resilience, and a deep love for culinary excellence. Founded in 2010 by an entrepreneur with a passion for food rather than a traditional chocolate making background, Xocolatti broke into the scene with a unique approach to chocolate. Its initial offerings, such as sake and passionfruit truffles, set a high standard for creativity and quality. The brand’s first retail outlet, a compact 150 square foot space in Soho, New York, became a talking point for its unique customer interaction with chocolates displayed from floor to ceiling, reminiscent of enchanting fictional stores.
The transition to catering to the hospitality industry in 2015 marked a significant pivot. Xocolatti excelled in supplying custom chocolates to luxury hotels and upscale venues, earning acclaim for its adaptability and innovative flavors. However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 necessitated another shift, this time towards e commerce. Facing the challenges head-on, Xocolatti reimagined its product line with ecofriendly, shipping stable packaging while maintaining the artisanal quality and creativity that defined its brand. Today, Xocolatti stands as a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the artisan chocolate industry, inviting customers to experience the world’s finest cacao through its carefully crafted and unique chocolate creations.
