when alexander wang meets joseph dirand

In case you missed it, I was on yellowtrace yesterday chatting about the rotating installations at Alexander Wang's Soho store.

While we're on the topic of Master A.Wang, I thought I'd share some pics of his epic 565sqm Shanghai store, designed by Paris architect, Joseph Dirand. I don't know how, but I've never blogged about Joseph Dirand before, despite spending god knows how long perusing his ridiculously killer portfolio.

Consistent with Joseph Dirand's established aesthetic, it is formally very minimal. It's essentially made up of flat planes, mitred rectangular boxes and shadow lines holding elements apart. Despite being pared back formally, materially it's texturally rich and luxurious. It incorporates veined marbles, blackened bronze and glossy bronze mirror. I don't often use the word "glamorous" to describe things I'm interested in (it makes me think of Orange County house wives - and I just ran a search to double check and I haven't used the word once since day dot). Yet Dirand manages to achieve a wonderfully understated glamour that steers safely clear of ostentation.

Spectacularly beautiful, wouldn't you say?

[Images via Joseph Dirand and Superfuture]