Concept stores_ dream stores

Everyone has his own cult place; gluttons dream of a confectioner's, rockers at night see stages with worshipping crowds and I dream of “concept stores”.

I'm sure everybody has heard of them, bu what's a “Concept Store”? It isn't a store where you buy something, but it's a tiny world where you can live a real experience; you can eat, buy clothes,  read, look around, learn! A concept store designer leads us into a unique and unrepeatable world, where plenty of treasures are hidden, ready to be discovered. Behind this short word the longing for perfection that lives inside us is hidden.

Many designers have tried to reach the perfect project, designing furniture and interior decoration for their own house. The best known example is definitely William Morris who, in collaboration with a group of designer friends, designed every single detail of his own house; thanks to  this “concept house” the Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. was founded. It produced furniture, colorful glassware, wallpapers, metal items, tiles, pottery etc.: a real “precursor”!!!!

http://www.william-morris.co.uk

During the last century the first Concept Store was opened by Ralph Lauren in New York in 1986; consecration of his idea of America and of real luxury. He furnished a whole building as if it were his house and opened it to the public. Recently that beautiful building has been renovated leaving the space to the new Concept Store!

 

 Let me be a little patriotic for a while, because it's true that Ralph Lauren invented the word ”Concept Store” but Italian designers and stylists are the most important supporters of this philosophy.

Just to mention the most interesting: in Milan “10 Corso Como” and in Rome “Fleur”.
Completely different in their choices and in their mood, they are perfect examples of the thousands of stylistic facets hidden in Italian lifestyle!

http://www.fleurluxuryliving.it/

http://www.10corsocomo.com/

 

If you are fond of English Country style, in Hong Kong there's the “Initial Concept Store”, that can provide everything to reach the perfection of style. The blog provides all the coolest advice!!!

http://www.initialfashion.com/blog/

 

 

If you feel as if you never know what side you are turned on, “Alter” in Shangai is the place for you; Escher is the center of inspiration and the store is all upside down and very minimal in the display, you can't be mistaken!!

 http://www.alterstyle.com/

For those that miss the “beat” times, a group of British architects, designers and creatives, have created in Liverpool this “Concept Place” where you can really find everything; from the art performance to the concert and from the hot dog stall to the most wanted vinyls. Original indeed and super concept!!

http://www.campandfurnace.com/

 

The French style is certainly one of the most loved in the world, hard to imitate; better let them

lead you in your choices and couplings. “Merci” in Paris has absolutely everything. You don't have to do anything but get lost in its spaces and you will come out “Français”.

http://www.merci-merci.com/en

All over the world a lot of concept stores are being created, of every kind, every style and tendency!
My favorite concept store?
Of course I'll create one suited to me: unique, colorful and amazing!

Stay tuned!