Leading lighting design consultancy Nulty has unveiled its recent work inside the London’s inaugural Azzedine Alaïa flagship boutique.
Spanning three floors and 6,000 sq ft, the Bond Street store takes cue from the brand’s Paris boutiques and showcases artwork from renowned international artist Kris Ruhs and pendants from designer Marc Newson.
Working closely with the architect Aukett Swanke, Nulty’s lighting solution creates an environment that supports the late designer’s idea that there is beauty in simplicity.
Maintaining a high level of aesthetic was key throughout and the lighting interventions were purposefully kept to a minimum so as to retain focus on the merchandise and artwork.
Upon entering shoppers are greeted by a clean, bright and airy space. Large Pelota ring-like luminaire pendants hang from the ceiling and radiate a diffuse light from above forming a language for the retail areas across all floors. Meanwhile a burnished metal and glass staircase spirals through the three floors and is framed either side by an eye-catching chrome feature light sheet.
Clean and spacious fitting rooms feature large ceiling mounted light boxes, adorned with intricate artwork and defined by a perimeter line of crisp light. Windows with sheer blinds have light integrated within the joinery that wraps the framework and exudes a soft glow as daylight falls outside.
The lighting design continues into the lift, where artwork has been printed onto plexiglass and back illuminated by horizontal, scattered LED luminaires, which resemble a deconstructed ladder and create a striking effect.
The grand stone façade is celebrated with miniature uplights that are integrated on the inside of the window framework – they accentuate the verticals and curves of the original architecture. Window displays have light cast on them by adjustable ceiling spotlights to draw focus on the luxury goods.
For flexibility a lighting control system was installed to allow for different scenes for different times of day within the main retail spaces, lift and changing rooms.
Intermediate lighting designer Rebecca Hodge comments: “The attention to detail within the project is second to none and adds to the uniqueness and identity of the store. From the lighting design in the lift, to the bespoke light boxes in the changing room, every element has been beautifully considered.”