February 20, 2014
New York City, NY – Michael Kors has announced the opening of its first flagship store in China, at Jing An Kerry Centre in Shanghai. The flagship is the largest of the brand’s stores in China and features a completely new store facade design concept.
“I’m thrilled to be opening a flagship in Shanghai,” says Michael Kors. “It’s an incredible store for an incredible city. We wanted to design something that is sophisticated, glamorous, and modern—a fabulous shopping environment for the stylish, fashion-forward Chinese customer. I can’t wait to welcome our customers—new and devoted—to this incredible space in a city that has long defined cosmopolitan chic.”
The shop, which measures nearly 6,000 square feet, showcases numerous new design elements, starting with a shimmering, two-story exterior facade that was inspired by Michael Kors’ signature use of metallics and texture. The facade, designed by Michael Kors’s in-house design team in collaboration with renowned NY-based architectural firm KPF, consists of luminous screens made of unique, light-reflective facets set within a grid of internally lit recesses. An inventive mathematical system of variable parts was devised so that the 45 unique panels could be assembled on site. The effect is elegant and kinetic, evoking the light-catching allure of a sequined gown. The store’s main entrances, on two levels within the Jing An Kerry Centre mall, are equally compelling, with an enormous video screen featuring fashion presentations and events, including live feeds.
The interior of the store was conceived and appointed to reflect the signature jet set glamour of the Michael Kors brand. A 30-foot-high mirrored wall, etched with the MK jacquard pattern, frames a giant video screen. Polished stainless steel fixtures, white marble flooring, Macassar wood and zebra-skin accents create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.
MICHAEL KORS DEBUTS NEW STORE FAÇADE CONCEPT IN SHANGHAI FLAGSHIP AT JING AN KERRY CENTRE
The ground floor features two firsts for the brand: a dedicated men’s accessory presentation and a sleek women’s shoe salon carrying both Michael Kors Collection and MICHAEL Michael Kors shoes. Handbags from both labels are showcased in a variety of dramatic display modes throughout the store, while dynamically curated displays of accessories, watches, jewelry and eyewear engage the shopper and underline the brand’s jet set lifestyle philosophy. Upstairs, a more luxurious and private experience unfolds in two side-by-side women’s ready-to-wear shops, one for Michael Kors Collection and the other for MICHAEL Michael Kors. Here shoppers can browse, try on clothes and consult with the store’s personal stylists in an atmosphere of calm and complete indulgence.
“Our new flagship at Jing An Kerry Centre is not only the largest Michael Kors store in China but it also features an innovative, dynamic façade design that highlights the significance of this store,” says John Idol, CEO of Michael Kors. “The cutting edge nature of Shanghai retail and architecture, as well as the importance of China to our overall growth strategy, made the Jing An Kerry Centre an ideal location to expand upon our signature approach to the shopping experience, which we consider crucial to the brand’s identity. I’m looking forward to welcoming our customers to this extraordinary new store.”
