Lemaire opened its first fashion boutique in China, located in the bustling Taikoo Li shopping district in Chengdu Taikoo Li. Despite its proximity to popular shopping destinations like the Apple Store and Fountain Plaza, visitors experience a surprising sense of tranquility upon arrival. This contrast of "serenity amidst the bustle" inspired both the site selection and the design concept.
Unlike conventional retail approaches that prioritize maximizing interior space, the project intentionally recesses the façade to create a landscaped buffer zone, which also resembles the under-eaves space of traditional Chinese buildings, seamlessly linking the lively exterior with the calm interior. The landscape features a two-tiered staircase: visitors ascend to an entry platform and then descend into the interior. This "one step up, one step down" circulation enhances the spatial transition and adds a sense of ceremony to the entry experience.
By balancing urban vibrancy with tranquil design, the boutique not only elevates the visitor journey but also reflects Lemaire's ethos of refined simplicity and understated elegance.
The concept of "everydayness" was a key design requirement from the brand (Lemaire). In urban environments, plants are typically displayed in pots within homes. To reflect this, the entrance landscape design features movable potted plants rather than fixed planters. Nodding to Chengdu's daily life, traditional "sauce jars" are selected to house the plants instead of conventional flowerpots, further grounding the space in local culture.
The material selection throughout the shop prominently features bamboo, a local material from Sichuan Province. The design concept blends both "tangible" bamboo elements, such as bamboo flooring and bamboo curtains, with "intangible" representations. For example, the exterior façade incorporates slender stone and textured surfaces that evoke the feeling of woven bamboo. This interplay between "tangible" and "intangible" bamboo elements creates a cohesive material narrative rooted in bamboo.
Sichuan's intangible cultural heritage is also woven into the design. The project incorporates the Charwa Shawl wool blankets handcrafted by Yi people using local Liangshan wool, which now serve as fitting room curtains, and bamboo weaving from Sichuan's Cizhu bamboo used on door handles. These elements were used to create custom interior patterns, developed in collaboration with artists and heritage craftsmen, ensuring the design aligns with the brand's visual identity.
The integration of local craftsmanship and detailed construction is a key focus of this project. In addition to using locally sourced materials, the project extensively incorporates Moroccan Bejmat tiles, a signature material of the brand. Its texture, similar to traditional Chinese grey bricks, is complemented by traditional Chinese flooring techniques, creating a harmonious connection with interior elements such as bamboo weaving and Cha'erwa wool blankets, which embody distinct Chinese cultural characteristics.
The project also takes into account the junctions between different materials. For example, in the baseboard design, inspiration is drawn from the Du Fu Cao Tang, former residence of a historically known Chinese poet named Du Fu, where wooden strips are pressed onto the brick at the base of the wall. This approach transforms the baseboard into a new material layer, unifying elements such as thresholds and steps. Furthermore, the project incorporates spatial elements through construction details, such as the extended overhead lintel served as a wooden “hanger” for garment displays.
