Design for a Couture Retail Space: Yohji Yamamoto - designed by Karen Bell

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Having researched the work of several designers, I found myself particularly attracted to the work of the Yohji Yamamoto for his edgy architectural forms and strongly defined tailoring with asymmetric constructions. Successive seasons of Yamamoto collections include sharp geometric planes, contrasted with transparent fabric and fishnet patterns. Drawn to the “Dark Side of the Light”, he uses predominantly black as a base with occasional accents in a strong contrasting colour, and these are the elements I eventually chose to incorporate into my design. I chose a layout for the space loosely based on Yamamoto’s asymmetric wooden dress. The clothing rail pods positioned on the left wall were also inspired by the dress.

Lightboxes became an important theme with 3D grids with black foreground and protruding upturned elements exposing a canary yellow background. These were located externally at the entrance, and internally on the pyramid wall opposite the entrance and on the right and interior front walls. Other lightbox features include recessed shelving with fishnet patterning. On either side of the logo wall 2 shoji screens are a nod to Yamamoto’s Japanese roots but more importantly they effectively frame the pyramid and draw attention to the brand. To provide contrast to the high tech reflective corian surfaces of the clothing pods and lightboxes, I chose an oak parquet floor which I think warms the space.  In order to add some interest above the eyeline, I split the ceiling into two separate spaces – one half with a giant lightbox positioned above cantilevered rippling struts, emitting a fractured stripped lighting pattern; the other half flat with recessed lighting units and two large graffiti pendants situated above the sales counter and seating area respectively. Apart from the modernist occasional furniture (Chairs & Sofas) I designed a bespoke triangular sales counter and two large low rise display tables which were sunk into the floor with an additional strip to add impact. Overall I think the space contains a mix of zen and funky elements, which brought together still allow the clothes to shine.