DETAILS
BRAND: TIFFANY & CO.
Type: Freestanding Store
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Year: 2010
Size: 1,790 square feet / 166 square meters
OVERVIEW
At the time Christian Lahoude joined Tiffany & Co., the company was in the midst of redefining its brand identity. This afforded him the opportunity to bring his unique vision to the ways in which archival motifs, iconic symbols and Tiffany’s history were translated into architectural and design elements on a global scale. First established in Tiffany’s Shanghai Plaza 66 location, Christian Lahoude’s vision was applied in Taipei’s new Bellavita mall.
The elegant and sophisticated retail space is inspired by the grandeur of Tiffany’s NY’s flagship fitted to the luxurious galleria in Bellavita.
Overview II
With ceilings measuring 7 meters (23 feet) in height, Bellavita was the perfect location to embed the timeless Tiffany design principles of harmony, balance and proportion. The open space and curvilinear displays incorporated the Art Deco fluting detail from the flagship in New York, revealing the collections with grace and elegance. Tiffany’s attention to detail and focus on only the finest materials is represented architecturally throughout the store. Lacquer panels and furnishings take on various shades from blue to white, complementing Tiffany Blue, further branding the space.
ICONIC ELEMENTS
The use of the wheat-leaf pattern is repeated from the façade to the store interior. This heritage element is etched on the metal surrounding the glass doors and, in another architectural element, the use of curvilinear forms on the wall providing a stunning backdrop for the display case.
THE CEILING
A focal point of the design is the ceiling. Christian designed a custom, shard-like blue and white hand-blown glass chandelier that cascades down and centers the space. An oval vaulted ceiling, surrounds the feature and mirrors the elegant oval display case below. A subtle gradient was created via the use of color – the white ceiling slowly transforming into light blue walls.