Designed by Francesco Gatti, the Alter concept store features a retail interior that almost seems to defy gravity.
Gatti designed the retail space to emphasize the range of different designer items on offer. Cascading ceilings and upside-down staircases were used to this end, creating a continuous-looking space that harmonizes the store's items. Gatti also brought in mannequins and placed them -- unclothed -- in various areas of the store, with their legs positioned so that they look as if they are sitting on the steps.
The Alter concept store is located in Xin Trian Di, a bustling and trendy shopping district in Shanghai, and is owned by Sonja Long. Long's goal is to introduce fashion-loving Shanghai consumers to European fashion designers, who, according to The Retail Blog, are still relatively unknown in China.
Cascading Ceiling Displays
The Alter Concept Store Features Sideways Staircases
Trend Themes
1. Upside-down Interiors - Opportunity to design retail spaces that defy traditional organizational layouts for a more harmonious approach.
2. Mannequin Innovation - Innovations in mannequin design to create striking visual statements and add artistic value to retail spaces.
3. International Exposure - Opportunities for bringing international fashion designers to new markets through innovative retail store concepts.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - Retail store owners and designers can think outside of the box and create unique interiors to showcase their products and improve the customer experience.
2. Fashion Industry - Fashion industry professionals can utilize innovative store designs to showcase lesser-known designers and enhance their brands.
3. Artificial Mannequin Industry - Innovative professionals can create new types of mannequins that bring a striking visual effect to retail spaces while providing artistic value.