In a partnership initiated in 2018 between David Chipperfield Architects Milan (DCA Milan) and the Kriemler brothers, the development of a new Store Concept for AKRIS, an international fashion house founded in Saint Gallen, Switzerland in 1922, took flight. The inaugural AKRIS prototype store in Washington DC marked the culmination of this collaboration. Named after its founder, Alice Kriemler-Schoch, AKRIS remains under family ownership, now led by the founder’s grandchildren, Albert and Peter Kriemler.
Design Vision: Elevating Materiality and Craftsmanship
DCA Milan envisioned a design ethos that would accentuate the materiality and exquisite craftsmanship intrinsic to AKRIS collections. Solid, three-dimensional architecture intertwined with a nuanced light display system defines the spatial narrative, emphasizing meticulously selected materials as protagonists of the setting.
Minimalist Display Elements: A Symphony of Tension and Compression
The display elements within the boutique exude an intentional minimalism, comprising taut cables that suspend shelves and hangers, imbuing a sense of ethereal suspension. Inspired by Bruno Munari’s tensile spatial structures, the design harmonizes contrasting forces of tension and compression, creating an architectural tableau of limestone and wood.
Neutral Backdrop: A Canvas for Elegance
Pre-shaped wood paneling of white-painted maple envelops the boutique’s interior, providing a neutral backdrop for the display system to shine. Grey limestone flooring complements the pristine walls, offering a serene setting for showcasing AKRIS collections.
Fluid Spatial Composition: Transparency and Movement
Stainless steel mesh partitions, suspended from the ceiling, delicately delineate spaces within the boutique, enhancing depth without impeding sightlines. Natural anodized aluminum counters interspersed throughout the space foster fluidity of movement, promoting a sense of transparency and accessibility.
Fitting Room Elegance: Signature Fabrics and Serene Palette
In the fitting rooms, ivory-colored horsehair fabric—a hallmark of AKRIS—adorns the walls and ceiling, juxtaposed with cool grey melange felt. An ivory-colored wool carpet graces the floor, encapsulating a tranquil ambiance conducive to the AKRIS experience.
In the creation of AKRIS Boutique Saint Gallen, DCA Milan has crafted more than a mere retail space; it is a testament to the fusion of architectural prowess and sartorial elegance, where materiality, craftsmanship, and spatial dynamics converge to celebrate the timeless allure of AKRIS.
