New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/03C | Page 114

Project House of Grace Chen Location: Shanghai Architect: Kokaistudios DRESSED TO IMPRESS A gracious old villa is repurposed as the Shanghai base for haute couture fashion brand Grace Chen in this elegant example of intelligent adaptive reuse High-end designer clothes showcased in a refined, designer setting – this architectural and interior design project by architectural studio Kokaistudios for one of China’s leading names in haute couture fashion brings a brand new level of meaning to the words high-fashion environment. The multi-faceted project encompasses a reworking of the elegant and old as well as the creation of the elegant and brand new. A grand 1920s historic villa in the heart of Shanghai’s former French Concession was chosen as an apt location for the home of fashion brand Grace Chen, says search | save | share at project architect for Kokaistudios Filippo Gabbiani. “The work involved creating show spaces, fitting rooms, offices, a library and a show kitchen in the reworked villa, as well as a VIP suite for a more immersive retail experience. Then there’s a new showroom pavilion – the project reflects a mile- stone in the growth of the Grace Chen brand. “When Grace Chen approached Kokaistudios with her vision for the transformation of the villa into a refined base for her eponymous fashion brand we were immediately interested,” Gabbiani says. “With her fashion focus on craftsmanship and intricate Below:A black-and-bronze woven metal gate, inspired by a designer dress, provides a distinctive entry to the new Shanghai base for haute couture brand Grace Chen. The gate, villa renovation and a new pavilion are all by Kokaistudios. Right:The new show kitchen opens to an alfresco dining area. Lower right and following pages:The new pavilion is boldly modern while at the same time complementing the classic villa.