Kenzo Takada, founder of the House and Antonio Marras, current Artistic Director mingled with their guests. Models wearing outfits from the Fall 2006 collection (now available in Kenzo boutiques worldwide) towered everybody as they sat or stand on raised beds.

It was breathtaking; a beautiful celebration of the reopening of the historic Kenzo boutique located at 3 Place des Victoires where 30 years ago it became the first ever Kenzo freestanding store in Paris and laid the foundation of a bridge of style between the East and the West.

‘It’s luxurious, it raises the brand to a higher level,’ commented an editor from a famous U.S. fashion magazine. He was facing the Kenzo Boutique itself when he said that, where three large store windows gave the singular atmosphere of the newly renovated space.

The new concept store was a labor of love; in turn a work of art. Imagined by Antonio Marras, the over 550 square meters retail space was designed by the Italian design and architectural office of Stefania Beltrame – Sandra Gelmetti, Architect Associates.

Respecting the code of the House of Kenzo, the retrofit is a mixture of past and future where an encounter beyond the borders of traditions and modernity was created.

Here and there, petals trace shapes on the walls, forming large imaginary flowers, sculpted in volume by artisans like the moulding of Parisian interiors, the representation inspired by plants and flowers.

The main color palette was black and white, their neutrality acting as canvas to the always colorful Kenzo collections.

On the ground floor, hand painted paper screens stretched over a long counter that welcomes the guests and also the space where purchases are wrapped.

On the floor, a sublime antique mosaic that the previous layout concealed was given a new breath of life. The mosaic parquet flooring was set off by brass inserts.

Towards the left of the reception area is where the latest collection is displayed. Bright and airy as it is fronted by an open back window, the collection is accompanied by sights and sounds from the catwalk presentation that is projected on a wide screen.

Towards the right of the reception is a stairway that leads to the second floor, bringing the guest to the entire world of Kenzo.

At the top of the steps, the visit begins in ‘the room of wonders’ and its treasures of accessories – handbags, shoes and stoles are displayed.

Continuing, the guests are greeted by the womenswear collection first, and then the menswear collection. A new hanger rack system was designed with varying heights so that every outfit can be highlighted.

Along the walls are shelves that are set once again in varying heights featuring folded garments interposed with accessories.

Benches that welcome guests to sit and rest for a few minutes also abound. These benches also double as additional merchandisers that invite the guests to touch and feel the luxury of the House of Kenzo.

It’s a serene and quiet world of Kenzo. While inside, the hustle and bustle of the city seems so far away. It’s a space that combined elements of the East and the West. It’s truly the world of Kenzo!

Kenzo

Kenzo

Kenzo

Kenzo

Kenzo