Architect Sou Fujimoto has unveiled a Dior store in Osaka, Japan, featuring an undulating facade that envelops an interior by architect Peter Marino.
Located in Osaka's central Shinsaibashi area, the four-storey House of Dior was designed as a nod to the fashion brand's history while celebrating its ties to Japan.
The brand described the store as "a homage to the virtuosity of haute couture" that "evokes the flowing drapery and layered fabrics of the dresses created by Christian Dior".
Its facade, which resembles Japanese washi paper, appears to lift above the doors to grant entry. At the top of the building – the rest of which has kept its existing tiled facade – sits a star, the symbol of the House of Dior.
While the exterior was kept relatively unadorned, aside from the ribbed, undulating facade, the interior by Marino features more traditional luxury Dior details, such as Versailles parquet.
At the centre of the store is a sculptural staircase that follows the shape of the facade and circles around an abstract metal artwork by artist Alice Aycock.
The interior also references the Japanese tradition of flower arrangement, ikebana, with a number of floral designs by flora artist Azuma Makoto.
The ground floor of the store focuses on women's wear, accessories, fragrances and jewellery.
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Here, visitors can rest on artist Claude Lalanne's leaf-shaped Gingko bench, crowned with pale flowers, while a green wall adds a touch of nature.
The first floor holds ready-to-wear collections by Dior's creative director Jonathan Anderson, as well as bags.
On the second floor, navy blue armchairs in patchwork denim fabrics add a playful note to the menswear designs that surround them.
The Monsieur Dior restaurant sits on the top floor, which was designed by Marino as "a tribute to gardens". It features leaf-patterned seating and green-hued carpets.
Throughout the store are artworks by artists Christian Bérard and Tim Hailand, as well as furniture by designer Franck Evennou.
House of Dior Shinsaibashi is the latest in a spate of recent Dior store openings in East Asia.
It has previously unveiled its Gold House concept store in Bangkok, as well as a boutique in Tokyo's Daikanyama area with a golden facade designed to evoke bamboo forests.
The photography is courtesy of Dior.
