2024
KARL LAGERFELD
REGENT STREET
LONDON
Just steps away from Piccadilly Circus, along London’s Regent Street, stands the renowned KARL LAGERFELD boutique, a space that embodies the fashion brand’s essence and identity through the “Future Legacy” concept. As Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of KARL LAGERFELD, states: “Aligned with our mission to inspire, our new Future Legacy concept redefines our approach to retail through a fusion of fashion, art, innovation, and Karl’s iconic vision. Our Regent Street store represents a key pillar in our growth strategy, setting new benchmarks for the future.”
The boutique has undergone a complete metamorphosis, conceptualized by Xag Studio, with Locatelli & Partners serving as executive architects and construction coordinators, while Metis Lighting orchestrated the lighting design contribution.
The store establishes a dynamic dialogue with the city through an open façade featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that converse with passersby, revealing fluid sightlines and fresh interpretations of the brand’s aesthetic. The interior unfolds across two floors in a harmonious juxtaposition of contrasts: neutral tones embrace soft, warm textures; natural materials dialogue with metallic surfaces; dark tones intersect with organic, monolithic volumes and sharp edges.
The lighting design’s outcome was achieved through a close and generative collaboration with architects and the entire design team from the very beginning: light plays a defining role in shaping spaces, and its early conceptualization almost invariably makes the difference, enhancing the quality of the entire architectural vision. Metis Lighting focused its expertise on ensuring seamless integration of light into every architectural detail, concealing light sources and specifying highly shielded fixtures. This approach enabled the perfect illumination of the refined garments while enhancing the architectural concept despite significant constraints, such as low ceilings and structural elements.
The final focusing and fine-tuning process proved not merely invaluable but essential in realizing the client’s vision and maintaining fidelity to the “Future Legacy” concept.
The custom chandelier, designed specifically for this concept, draws inspiration from photoshoot lighting: a mesh of metallic squares featuring specially designed lenses that maintain brightness and vividity while completely eliminating any unwanted glare.
