As consumer needs continue to change, more and more consumers are looking for simple, versatile, yet recognizable product designs. Francesc Rife has recently completed a retail space project in Barcelona, Spain. Nino Alvarez, a flagship clothing store, looks like an abstract painting at first sight, with a dramatic Marquina marble tile layout that is unique and full of shock.

The new project focuses on materials in order to achieve a sophisticated setting while housing the menswear clothing for which this multi-brand store is known for. On the one hand, black lacquered steel sheets make up a series of shelves with light and refined lines that allow the garments to be displayed and hung. On the other, a large golden container cabinet, also the ceiling with the same finishing, act as two large sources of light and colour. To avoid interference in the project experience, visually uncomfortable elements have been hidden. 

To avoid interference in the project experience, visually uncomfortable elements have been hidden. The air conditioning for example, is integrated in between the marble tiles making it almost imperceptible. LED lighting is strategically introduced into the shelves in order to illuminate the clothes while leaving only its subtle trace of light visible. The space’s background is covered with a smoked mirror to provide customer service. The use of this mirror is also meant to attain tiny magical effects that result in the feeling of not knowing the difference from what’s real and what’s a reflection.