, and the niche footwear label Solovière’s foray into retail all present a more naturalistic yet design-focused approach that reflects and reinforces their visual language. “Designing a store is not unlike [designing] a navy blazer; when done well—the right material, a timeless silhouette—it really lasts,” says Générale’s Pierre Mahéo. “As this is my philosophy for the product, it should apply to retail, as well.
Front and center: The now-recognizable Croissant bag in three sizes, as well as the boxier Camera bag. Footwear for men and women are placed along the various levels while small glass cases house jewelry—ear cuffs and pendants in sleek, naturalistic forms. Purely Paris: The sturdy wood structural beams, staircase posts and pillars—likely dating to the late 16th century—would be unlikely features anywhere else. Exposed and as prominent as the clothes, they speak to the layers of city that are so often concealed. To Mahéo, “It’s logical; whatever you can save, you save,” he says, having carried out the necessary building studies before breaking through the walls.
In their own words: “Maybe I always wanted to be an antiques dealer,” Mahéo muses. “I would not claim to be an architect or designer but realizing these stores offers a way to be all of these things.” With six Officine Générale openings slated through ’22, the brand’s founder says he has zero interest in following a template. “For me, this would remove all the pleasure of working on these concepts.
Fabulous