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Selfridges London launches new designer menswear area Selfridges has unveiled a new designer menswear area at its London store as part of its multimillion pound ‘Menswear Masterplan’. Created in collaboration with architect Alex Cochrane, the new 290 sq m space, called Designer West, houses 12 new labels to Selfridges along with carefully selected brands such as Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons. The new space is located on the first floor in the central atrium of the store and
is anchored by three sculptural plinths, dividing the overall area in two sides of equal proportions. The floor echoes the physicality of the plinths with oversized geometrically cut stones. A series of rails made of brass with a patinated bronze finish provide height contrasts around the central plinths, and play with the perimeter of the space. Three blue neon strip lights are suspended from the ceiling, creating halos
above the accessories on display in the fixtures below. In addition, 11 custom-built bell jars run through the space, created to house an ongoing series of exclusive installations. For the launch of the department, British jewellery brand Hannah Martin London has created geometric landscapes of obelisk shapes and pyramid forms from DuPont Corian that sit inside each jar alongside a carefully chosen edit of the company’s work. Terry Betts, director of menswear, comments: ‘This season we’ve recalibrated what designerwear means. The result is what we believe to be the most considered and unique offer of men’s fashion in any department store. To walk around this space will be to experience both the latest collections from revered fashion houses, and to discover new collections in amongst them. Striking that balance is something we take very seriously, and I’m incredibly proud of the integrity of the offer we’ve put together for Designer West.’ Selfridges has also launched a new shopping service especially for the male customer in search of an elevated and personalised shopping experience. The 120 sq m space, also designed by Alex Cochrane, comprises three elegant private suites, a reception area and a salon space complete with a floor-to-ceiling library.
In brief... Women’s activewear retailer, Sweaty Betty is to open a new store at 3 Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, London. The store is due to open in August and will have a store fit that reflects the dynamism of Shoreditch and its shopping environment. Colliers International advised on the acquisition. New Look has become the latest fashion retailer to sign up to Queensberry Real Estate’s Friars Walk development in Newport, which is due to open Autumn 2015. New Look joins retailers and leisure operators, including Debenhams, Next, Topshop and Cineworld. The Surface Design Show has announced the launch of the Surface Design Awards 2015 and introduced a new judging panel. The awards champion the best progressive design and use of innovative surfaces worldwide.
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Y-3 presents new retail concept at Harrods Adidas designer brand, Y-3 has opened a new dedicated retail space in the sports fashion department at Harrods. Designed to embody the pioneering sport-style aesthetic, the 25 sq m area houses the AW14 menswear, footwear and accessories and features a number of fixtures created exclusively for Harrods. Located on the fifth floor of the department store, the space features mirrored polished and brushed stainless steel shelving, which contrasts with dark matt steel hanging rails. Other design
elements include a jet grey woven rug and black glass wall, complete with LED screen and backlit branding. Jason Broderick, Harrods fashion director for menswear, sports and fine watches, comments: ‘We are delighted to showcase the new Y-3 concept, which is the first of its kind in Europe. This is an exciting time for our fifth floor and this innovative new space is a welcomed addition to our men’s casuals offering.’ The retail space launched at the beginning of August 2014.