Harrods:
Men's International Designer Room 1 Opens
After a successful opening of the Roastery & Bake Hall and Fine Wines & Spirits Room, which was part of the biggest redesign of the historic Food Halls in the last 30 years, umdasch was commissioned to work in collaboration with David Collins Studio to revamp the Men´s International Designer Room 1 of the Menswear section in the store.
Revamping Tradition
In response to an increase in customer demand and ground breaking innovations within the sector, Harrods plans to invest in an exciting redevelopment of the Menswear. David Collins Studio drew up a spectacular design concept, in-keeping with the historical aspects of the building and worked together with umdasch to pull off a successful concept implementation in the Men´s International Designer Room 1. umdasch provided the services of engineering drawing, manufacturing of the furniture, delivery and installation, just a few of the many services that umdasch offers. The room reopened this month with a whole new look, as part of a ten-year program to re-model the unique Knightsbridge store.
The Family Business
Both Harrods and umdasch share a history of family business and a focus on quality goods, an appreciation of great craftsmanship and brilliant service. Representing for umdasch in Harrods, our Sales Director based in the UK Simon Wait, says umdasch are focused on the fine details of the concept. He stated:
“To create the required atmosphere, ambient and task lighting was installed, drawing the eye to spaces of interest. Top class materials were used including beautiful oak, brass and specialist glass, again mixing the traditional and luxury into one.“
Highlights
The concept idea was to create luxury within a homely ambience to welcome in the mass of customers that Harrods receive on a daily basis searching for new, innovative and great quality clothing. With one hundred square meters on the main central carpet, twelve specialist clothes rails, a circular central counter and fitting room, surrounded by concessions and a flowing walkway around the shop floor, this task was a mammoth one. The design concept centralised around the traditional feel of the well-known Harrods iconic look, making the most of the historic architecture whilst intertwining modern accents of monochromatic and geometric patterns.
Design Specifics
The award-winning interior architecture practice working on a handful of Harrods projects, David Collins Studio, gave us an insight into their design concept details. They remarked that the concept was designed to reference Harrods classic men´s tailoring, drawing on the classical colour palette and refined layering of materials seen in the Men´s Superbrands department, opened in December 2018.
“The concept is developed around a radial model, at the centre of which is a 2.1m chandelier in alabaster and brass finished with a fretwork detail, which continues as a framing detail throughout the space” states David Collins Studio.
The magnificent chandelier echoes the intricate designs of the ceilings you´ll find throughout the Knightsbridge store. Further layering of materials are in the finishing of the central forum, with walnut, bubble glass, nickel and lined with navy suede.Circular vitrines and gondolas are mid-century in reference and are design as open as possible to create a sense of lightness. These colours feel luxurious, classic and homely and contrast beautifully the monochromatic checker-board walkways in grey and white marble. In the walkways, black Nero Marquina marble frames the entryways to each brand boutique. Interior window displays made from walnut wood line the walkways and mannequins stand in the windows on stern dark marble plinths surrounded by specially designed task lighting, all implemented by umdasch.
A Job Well Done
“The excellent cooperation of all participants is characterised by an impressive result. A further milestone was reached during the conversion work to preserve the Victorian character of Harrods’s noble department store and to give it a contemporary yet timeless appearance.” Roman Fussthaler, Managing Director umdasch Premium Retail.
Header Image Copyright: Ben Anders @One Represents
