A taste of 1970s New York has landed at Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, so pull out your bell-bottoms, satin shirts and finest fedoras, and prepare for a hedonistic experience that Jimi Hendrix himself would’ve been proud of. Created by the hospitality masterminds that brought us Surf Club, VNYL brings together a vinyl store, café/restaurant and private recording studio, as well as a secretive speakeasy club. Designed by Prospect Design International, this is a unique destination inspired by the infamous recording studios of the Big Apple.
Paying homage to iconic ateliers like Electric Lady Studios, where The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and David Bowie all penned legendary lyrics, the 3,500ft2 venue boasts exposed ceilings, an abundance of laminated wood cladding, and built-in display cabinets jam-packed with classic records. Oversized disco balls sparkle above rich red carpets, while retro-patterned wallcoverings enhance the nostalgic ‘70s narrative.
In the mix…
On the ground floor, the records store, DJ booth, bar and seating banquette are all integrated within one stylish space, where many features are built into the volume and walls. Design highlights include vinyl-inspired pendants hanging above Mid-Century furniture and terrazzo flooring, together with brass detailing, boom box graphics and a green bar counter that catches the eye.
Can you keep a secret?
Situated a level above is an exclusive speakeasy club that harks back to the days of Studio 54, The Loft and Paradise Garage, with a DJ booth incorporated into the bar structure. The bar itself serves as a cohesive focal point for the space, integrating elements such as bottle displays, decorative items, glassware and books. Our design concept seeks to evoke the cozy personalized ambiance of a home cabinet, where the owner has curated and displayed all of their cherished belongings.
VNYL invites you to escape the city and be transported to a different realm, where the lighting is moody, the atmosphere is upbeat, and the DJs provide soundtracks to elegantly hedonistic nights. So, are you ready to step inside?
