The Cathedrals of Fashion

The new Givenchy store in Via Sant'Andrea in Milan.
The new Givenchy store in Via Sant'Andrea in Milan.

What will the store of the future be? Of course there's online, but let's suppose there will always be offline. A real 'brick and mortar' space where customers become real clients again and shopping is the real thing. I tend to think real stores will never entirely disappear. But then, what should they look like? These last few decades we've witnessed the arrival of huge cathedrals, by luxury labels who were into statements. Look at me! Like me! And some of us did. Some clearly did not. Here's a list of stores that make a difference. At least in my eyes they do. 

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The Hermès store in Rue de Sèvres in Paris, in a former swimming pool.

 

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Anna Heylen's Maison in Antwerp, where personal service is the aim.

 

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The early design drawing by architect Christian Portzamparc for Dior in Seoul. The store just opened.

 

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Boutique Ephémère by Chanel in Saint-Tropez. A way to attract a new customer in a far more informal way.

 

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Shop in shop concepts, just like Delvaux at Corso Como X. Collabs are just taken to another level.

 

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Lanvin's new menswear store in New York. Clean, clear, and all ready to sell to a male audience

 

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The Marni store in Milano.

 

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The Ann Demeulemeester store in Tokio. True to the brand's dna. 

 

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Detail of the Paul Smith store in Antwerp. Pure fun, just like mr Smith himself.