Celine, the luxury fashion house, has recently opened a stunning new flagship store on New Bond Street in central London. However, this store is no ordinary retail space. In a unique twist, it doubles as an art gallery, showcasing a diverse collection of artworks curated by Celine’s multi-disciplinary designer, Hedi Slimane.
Spanning an impressive 354 square meters, this art-filled boutique is a true feast for the senses. Visitors to the store can admire a range of captivating pieces, including 17th-century Flemish oils, contemporary sculptures, site-specific wall hangings, and large wooden fine-art panels. With each artwork carefully selected by Slimane himself, the ground floor of the store is dedicated to women’s fashion and exudes an undeniable sense of French elegance with a vintage touch.
Step inside and you’ll find antique furniture and 12 art pieces displayed on the ground floor alone. Many of these artworks are part of the Celine Art Project, a collection that now consists of 80 pieces displayed across various Celine stores worldwide. Slimane’s commitment to creating a truly immersive experience is evident in the two specific works commissioned for this flagship store. Leilah Babirye from Uganda contributes a bold neo-primitive figure, while Nika Neelova from Russia crafts two stunning ceiling hangs using reclaimed architectural materials.
But it’s not just fashion and art on offer in this extraordinary store. Dedicated spaces for Celine’s Haute Parfumerie and the Maison Celine gift line are also present. These areas are designed to resemble a jewelry box and cabinet of curiosities, reflecting Slimane’s meticulous attention to detail and his love for unique designs.
The interior design of the store embraces an intriguing juxtaposition. The ground floor boasts an antique marble floor, while the basement features a striking concrete floor. Under-rack lighting creates a visual illusion, making it appear as though the shelves are floating off the walls. Located on New Bond Street, the store is in the company of other prestigious fashion brands such as Loewe, Alaïa, Delvaux, Ralph Lauren, and Zegna.
The men’s department of the store offers an equally enchanting experience. The fitting rooms are designed as large wooden screens, which can be opened to reveal a library for clients to browse through books. Slimane’s penchant for historical references is evident in one of the men’s fitting rooms, where a genuine 17th-century oil painting of the Duke of Sully, Maximilien de Bethune, is displayed. This modern temple of fashion, design, and art pays homage to the nobleman in its own unique way.
Celine’s New Bond Street store is a true testament to Hedi Slimane’s creative vision. By seamlessly blending fashion, art, and design, he has created an art gallery-like boutique that offers customers a truly immersive and exceptional retail experience. This flagship store not only showcases the brand’s dedication to French elegance and innovation but also elevates the shopping experience to a whole new level.
For more information about Celine and its latest collections, visit their official website here. To explore the Celine Art Project and view the stunning artworks on display, visit their dedicated page here.
