DETAILS
BRAND: TIFFANY & CO.
Type: Freestanding Store
Location: Beijing, China
Year: 2011
Size: 970 square feet / 90 square meters
OVERVIEW
Taking its inspiration from the timeless spirit of Tiffany’s iconic brand, an elegant, modern and chic space is revealed in the lobby of Beijing’s prestigious Peninsula Hotel. The luxurious environment perfectly expresses a unique New York sophistication and glamour that defines Tiffany & Co.
The keystone of the design is the monumental cascading glass and crystal chandelier designed by Christian Lahoude. This feature is embedded in a circular vaulted ceiling, covered in white gold leaf and inlaid with lighting fixtures, which mirrors the elegant circular display case below.
THE FAÇADE
The design of the façade utilizes heritage brand elements to both invite visitors to explore the world of Tiffany inside while also projecting the refined, classical aesthetic of the company. Illuminated panels of glass glow Tiffany blue, revealing the classic wheat-leaf motif carved into the glass. The vitrine design is inspired by the facets of the iconic cushion-cut diamond. The store’s stainless steel doors are finished with the same Art Deco-inspired fluting detail that embellishes the Fifth Avenue store’s great entry doors and the wheat-leaf pattern is etched on the metal surrounding the glass doors. Many of these inspired designs were implemented in other locations worldwide.
NEW YORK GLAMOUR
The overall feel of the space is that of a New York Park Avenue apartment, achieved through the increased use of Art Deco motifs and old Hollywood references. Custom furniture was upholstered in richly textured fabrics in warm silvers and blues. Tiffany images are displayed in the seating area, referencing the heritage of the brand. Veneered wood, beveled mirrors and etched glass complete the effect, embodying the beauty and simplicity of design that is in keeping with Tiffany’s overall philosophy. The selection of artwork from Tiffany’s archives with reference to the 30s was a contributing factor to the decorative layer of the mood in the boutique.
ICONIC ELEMENTS &
ARCHITECTURAL WATERMARKS
The use of iconic elements and architectural watermarks are repeated from the façade to the store interior. Drawing on New York as inspiration for the decorative layer, while incorporating references to China, Tiffany commissioned a local artist to create a custom installation behind the curved display cases. White and yellow gold leaf are ingeniously used to depict the Brooklyn Bridge and New York skyline. On a neighboring wall glass is etched with the brand’s dragonfly motif. In the refined seating area the wheat-leaf pattern is repeated on the walls and metal fluting becomes a unifying visual theme.