9 October 2023 |
The wood and glass-filled space is the first designed by Matthieu Blazy.
Between dropping zines, creating art meets design meets fashion installations, and oh, designing wildly innovative collections, Bottega Veneta’s Matthieu Blazy has been busy. But amidst all of his many projects, came one that might be a surprise to fans – until this month the brand hasn’t had a store designed by Blazy. That’s all changed, with the reopening of their 12 Avenue Montaigne flagship located in Paris. The 800-square meter space, inspired by Space Age aesthetics, consists of two floors that combine Italian craftsmanship with a modernist sensibility.
Blazy is known for his attention to materials and details which is evident before you even enter the boutique. Case in point: the front door features a one-of-a-kind glass handle by Ritsue Mishima. Once you’re properly in the shop, you’re greeted with a lush green oversized plant in an organically-shaped bronze planter. To the right a set of stairs takes you up to the menswear space while the right, through a spaceship-like hallway, leads you to the womenswear space. Blazy uses two materials, Venetian glass and Italian walnut, to flesh out the flagship with industrial square blocks and wood panels. The effect is a diffuse light juxtaposed against warm, luxurious walls, all to highlight both the collection as well as the decor.
Speaking of the decor, the furniture and decor details are worth taking a second look. Cozy seating spaces include custom pieces like a squashy black armchair that features oversized black leather woven details, as a nod to the brand’s signature intreccio detailing. Blazy’s Drop motif is seen throughout, whether in brass handles or hooks or even on the mirrors. Even the wood and glass racks, which feature the current collection, are custom to the space – they were hand-cast by Venetian artisans. Given the amount of personalization to the space, it’s no surprise that the flagship will also offer personalization services for all of their leather goods, a new service that shoppers are sure to take advantage of.
