Christian Dior is delighted to announce the opening of a brand new Dior Boutique in Seoul. Nestled in the heart of the city’s elegant Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu district, the innovative and unique building has been designed by the French architect Christian de Portzamparc, an new creation is a sculptural and fluid structure that redefines the landscape it sits in.
The voluminous folds of its bright white façade were inspired by the fabrics, shapes and movement of the toiles created in Dior’s Haute Couture Atelier at 30 Avenue Montaigne. Taking the form of twelve soaring resin and fiberglass sails that stand proud above the building’s base, itself decorated with Dior’s cannage motif, the four year process of design and construction required significant technical innovation.
The six-story Boutique will house the exclusive world of Dior including accessories, fine jewellery, watches, womenswear, shoes and menswear as well as a VIP Lounge, Gallery and Cafe Dior operated by Pierre Hermé. The Peter Marino designed interiors blend inspiration taken from Dior’s iconic Avenue Montaigne flagship in the shape of a feminine and glamorous aesthetic with the modern.
Alongside luxurious interior design, a carefully curated group of artworks by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists has been chosen to display throughout the store. On entering the building between the folds of its towering white sails, two intricate benches of woven branches and leaves created by the French sculptress Claude Lalanne take pride of place.
Above them hangs an installation made of crystal, glass and aluminum by the Korean artist Lee Bul, one of Asia’s leading female artists. Downstairs, with sleek architectural symmetry, luxe materials, and rich, tactile finishes, marks the new multi-dimensional retail space for Dior Homme.
On the second and third levels, the carefully considered art collection continues with furniture designed by the French artists Hubert le Gall and Hélène de Saint Lager, table lamps by Véronique Rivemale, a piece by the American artist Rachel Hovnanian in the shoe salon and a ceiling covered in the beautiful liquescent mirrored glass decoration of the artist Rob Wynne.
An exclusive VIP Lounge and Gallery to be used for private appointments sit on the fourth floor, with a reception featuring six framed drawings by the Austrian artist Lucas Zallmann and a sculpture by Carmelo Tedeschi. Step through into the adjoining gallery to find a pair of Innerblow benches by Nendo, lamps by Curtis Jere and a console by Juan and Paloma Garrido, all of which lend themselves perfectly to this unique space.
Upstairs, the rooftop Cafe Dior by French pastry chef Pierre Hermé, provides an elegant space to relax after shopping and the perfect place to discover the unique world of tastes, sensations and pleasures of the Maison Pierre Hermé Paris.
To celebrate the opening of this groundbreaking new boutique in Asia, Dior has launched a Limited Edition collection to be sold exclusively in Korea. Featuring handbags and accessories including special versions of iconic Dior items, all of the pieces will be numbered and engraved with the words “Limited Edition.”
From concept to design, experience to product, technical prowess to its extraordinary attention to detail, this unique and world leading new Boutique reflects the whole exclusive world of Dior from its heritage of timeless elegance to its modern essences of luxury and innovation. Images and text Courtesy of Christian de Portzamparc.
Location: 464, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu Seoul, Korea
Architects: Christian de Portzamparc
Interiors: Peter Marino
Local Architect / Project Manager: DPJ & Partners, Architecture
GFRP Façade Development: DPJ & Partners, Architecture Design Base
Structural Engineer: CS Structural Engineering
GFRP Façade Quality Control: Bureau Veritas
Lighting Designer: L’Observatoire International
Main Contractor: Kolon Global Corporation
GFRP Façade Sub-contractor: Design Base
Metal Façade & Curtain Wall Sub-contractor: Iljin Unisco
Main Building Elements: Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) façade composed of self-standing 11 panels of 6m x 20m Anodized aluminum panel claddings
Building Area: 4,408.57 m2
Year: 2015
Photographys: Nicolas Borel, Courtesy of Christian de Portzamparc
