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
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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.