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Acne Studios made a splash in Toronto with its flagship store opening at the popular Yorkdale Shopping Centre. As the first Acne Studios store in Canada, it brought together contemporary design and artistic elements, offering visitors a unique and immersive fashion experience.
A Gateway to Creative Expression
The exterior of the Acne Studios Yorkdale store served as an arresting testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation. Crafted with precision and adorned with Rosa Perlino marble, the iconic pink shopfront stood as an embodiment of the brand’s identity. Its symmetry and grandeur drew inspiration from Ancient Greek architecture, while its contemporary execution redefined the concept of a storefront.
A Visual Masterpiece Inside
Stepping inside the store was like entering a contemporary art gallery that celebrated fashion as an art form. The high ceilings created a sense of openness, while the signature Acne Studios stainless steel fixtures graced the walls, leading the eye toward a strikingly tall portico. This central feature invited visitors to explore the space further, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what lay beyond.
Crafted Details and Creative Flourishes
The interior design was a blend of meticulous craftsmanship and creative expression. High gloss stucco lustro walls and ceilings juxtaposed against the vibrant pink marble, creating a visual interplay that was both bold and sophisticated. The furniture, designed by Max Lamb, added a touch of contemporary flair with its green-dyed canvas and batik pattern, underlining the store’s commitment to embracing art in all forms.
However, what truly set this store apart was the integration of Daniel Silver mannequins. These dynamic figures, carefully posed and inspired by Greek sculptures, breathed life into the space. Their graceful movements and carefully selected stances blurred the line between art and fashion, encouraging visitors to perceive the clothing in a new light.
“We know Greek sculptures were painted and were very much to do with depicting or sculpting the idea of the body. Me using the mannequins now is a relationship to those Greek sculptures, but at the same time, rethinking them. And because the idea of movement in sculpture is interesting, the mannequins are in different poses – they’re dancing,” says Silver.
Illuminating the Experience
The lighting design, masterfully executed by French designer Benoit Lalloz, was a testament to the attention to detail that defined Acne Studios. Suspended track lighting traversed the store’s length, casting a radiant glow that accentuated the architectural elements and showcased the fashion collections. The lighting elevated the overall ambiance, adding to the sense of wonder that permeated the store.
“I don’t have a specific approach to Acne Studios projects, other than the profound need to always respect their ideas and never negatively dazzle them. My job is to allow customers to have the best possible visual experience – to read and discover the works of Acne Studios,” says Lalloz.
