sculptural marble facade by halleroed fronts alaia's first china flagship in beijing

"From the street, the facade, a solid plane of Carrara marble, is punctuated by circular and rounded windows inspired by Alaïa's signature perforated motifs. This rhythmic patterning lightens the mass of the stone while preserving a sense of gravity and calm. Monumental yet restrained, the exterior introduces a new architectural expression for the Maison, one that merges couture detail with urban presence."

"Curved, organic lines are set against sharp geometric forms, mirroring the dualities that define the Parisian fashion house's approach to fashion. On the ground floor, a sweeping marble shelving unit anchors the space, while sculptural podiums rise from the floor like carved extensions of the architecture. The layout treats display furniture as part of the spatial composition."

"Two large cubic chairs, designed by French fashion designer Paul Poiret, are placed within the space, their bold geometry amplifying the tension between softness and structural clarity. Upstairs, the atmosphere becomes more subdued, offering a setting for the full Alaïa wardrobe, from ready-to-wear to accessories and essentials. Seating by Philippe Malouin frames views toward the rounded openings of the facade by Swedish architecture studio Halleroed, allowing the geometry of the windows to shape the rhythm inside the room. Throughout the boutique, the emphasis remains on craftsmanship, whether expressed in stone, furniture, or the spatial interplay of curves and planes."

Alaïa's first Beijing flagship is a two-floor boutique in Taikoo Li Sanlitun designed in close collaboration between Creative Director Pieter Mulier and Halleroed. The exterior uses a solid Carrara marble plane pierced by circular and rounded windows derived from Alaïa's perforated motifs, creating rhythmic patterning that lightens the stone while maintaining a calm monumentality. Interior composition contrasts curved organic lines with sharp geometry through a sweeping marble shelving unit, sculptural podiums, integrated display furniture, and iconic cubic chairs. Upper-level spaces present the full wardrobe with subdued atmospheres and seating that frames views through rounded openings. Craftsmanship in stone, furniture, and spatial form underpins the design.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine