CHARLES & KEITH celebrated the opening of its inaugural flagship store in Japan, situated in the bustling fashion and music district of Shibuya, Tokyo. This marks a significant milestone for the brand – this is its second global flagship and the first in collaboration with world renowned David Chipperfield Architects Milan. The new boutique also features the market debut of in-store personalization services and commissioned art pieces by local artist, Tomo Sakurai.
Event attendees included global content creators Lily May Mac, Maxine Wylde, May Ho, Amelia Henderson, Angelina Cruz, Eyka Farhana and Zeynab El-helw who showcased the versatility of the recently launched premium L’initial line – which exclusively highlights the brand’s emblem and monogram, new elements that were unveiled as part of the revitalised CHARLES & KEITH graphic identity created by Fabien Baron of Baron & Baron, whom Vanity Fair has deemed one of the most sought-after creative designers in the world.
Actress Cho Yi Hyun joined CHARLES & KEITH for the opening celebrations as well, fresh from her return from Milan Fashion Week. Her polished event look highlighted the understated allure of the L’initial collection as she paired Leather Ruched-Strap Slingback Pumps in Black with the Leather & Canvas Two-Tone Shoulder Bag in Cognac. Our very own actress, Amelia Henderson, elegantly showcased the timeless sophistication of CHARLES & KEITH’s Claire Leather Mary Jane Pumps in Black Box and Leather Boxy Bag in Black, while Eyka & Moka are twinning in beige hued Claire Leather Mary Jane Pumps and Leather & Canvas Monogram Boxy Bag in Black.
The CHARLES & KEITH Shibuya store exudes sculptural qualities and geometric precision: With a design ethos characterized by sobriety and elegance, the store embraces customers in an environment that prioritizes harmony and sophistication over overwhelming sensory experiences.
The walls, composed of panels sprayed with lime-based plaster, define the rough backdrop for the products that are displayed on recycled aluminium shelves integrated into a sequence of niches. Floors in semi-polished reconstructed stone generate a contrast with the roughness
of the walls, defining a consistent albeit expressive context for the merchandise. The ceiling in plaster is enlivened by a continuous organic profile from where diffused linear lighting embraces the space and spotlights focus on the merchandise.
A key focal point are two exclusive art pieces by Tomo Sakurai, named AiriX and Curvaceous: The captivating artworks add an element of creativity and sophistication to the store ambiance, reflecting CHARLES & KEITH’s dedication to art and design. On the first floor, bag enthusiasts will find an array of options, while the second story accommodates an expanded selection, including the premium L’intial line and the CHARLES & KEITH personalization counter, where customers can have their initials embroidered on selected products.
Discover the CHARLES & KEITH’s Spring L’initial 2024 collection at selected stores in Malaysia