Acqua di Parma has opened a playfully vibrant café in the heart of Seoul’s Lotte Tower Mall in South Korea. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, Acqua di Parma Yellow Café beautifully balances Italian architectural details with the energetic nature of Seoul, delivering a colourful space that is fun and sophisticated.
A reflection of the brand's Mediterranean roots, the boutique café is finished in noble white stone. Arches, and vaults replicate a Milanese cityscape, while splashes of azure blues and citrus yellows happily boost serotonin levels upon entering.
Step inside Acqua di Parma Yellow Café
The maison’s iconic art deco bottle is a source of inspiration throughout the space. Whether it be subtle detailing within table and column design to two life-size Blu Mediterraneo that stand tall at the entrance, the brand’s identity is notable throughout.
The warming hues of the maison’s signature colour palette make for an inviting space, while the vivid design gently nods to the Memphis movement. Round tables and soft yellow seating create a cosy ambience, encouraging communal conversations and interactions. Acqua di Parma products, (which are all made in Italy since the brand was founded in 1916) gracefully line the shelves of the central kitchen area. Meilichzon honed in on the brand’s affinity with citrus, integrating citrus peel textures and swirling curves into the design from sculptures to textural plaster.
The café’s decadent menu also creates an aroma of fresh citrus notes reminiscent of the maison’s fragrances. Drawing from Italian cuisine it includes a light panna cotta, colonia tart, tiramisu, and lemon or orange mousse cake, which will be updated seasonally and in occurrence with the maison’s new launches. Whether it be to browse the shelves to indulge in the scents of Blu Mediterraneo or Colonia, or to take part in coffee-tasting masterclasses, Acqua di Parma Yellow Café serves up a slice of Italian sun.
‘Designing the Acqua di Parma space in South Korea was an exploration of cultural synthesis and vibrant aesthetics,’ says the designer Meilichzon. ‘My vision was to build bridges that connect the architectural heritage of Italy, particularly Milanese design, with the dynamic spirit of South Korea, especially Seoul. I drew inspiration from the Memphis movement, while paying homage to giant monuments, white stone, arches, vaults, and porticos that speak of timeless beauty. They are all coming together to create a space that is as much a cultural dialogue as it is a design statement.’
Acqua di Parma Yellow Café is open now.
-
London’s Sloane Street has been transformed into a ‘green boulevard’Iconic shopping destination Sloane Street has had a facelift, now boasting wider pavements, enhanced seating and lighting, and a massive planting scheme
-
'We need to be constantly reminded of our similarities' – Jonathan Baldock challenges the patriarchal roots of a former Roman temple in LondonThrough use of ceramics and textiles, British artist Jonathan Baldock creates a magical and immersive exhibition at ‘0.1%’ at London's Mithraum Bloomberg Space
-
Explore a minimalist, non-religious ceremony space in the Baja California DesertSpiritual Enclosure, a minimalist, non-religious ceremony space designed by Ruben Valdez in Mexico's Baja California Desert, offers flexibility and calm
-
Margot Robbie, Marina Abramović and a 15-step Korean scalp treatment: the most-read Wallpaper* beauty stories of 2024The news of Margot Robbie becoming the face of Chanel No.5 and an illustrated guide to a 15-step Korean scalp treatment are just two of the most-read Wallpaper* beauty stories from the year gone by
-
‘Between London and Seoul’: Stefan Cooke crosses continents with Solid Homme collectionSouth Korean label Solid Homme has tapped Stefan Cooke for a continent-crossing collection designed between London and Seoul and influenced by Americana, 15th-century armour, and the 2000s music scene. Designers Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt tell Wallpaper* more
-
How the 15-step Korean scalp treatment rejuvenates hair like nothing elseThe viral 15-step Korean scalp treatment at the Eco Jardin salon in Seoul wins a Wallpaper* Design Award 2024 – and here is why
-
Aesop’s Seoul store is inspired by a Korean pavilionTo mark the recent opening of the Aesop Seochon store in Seoul, Wallpaper* hosted a panel discussion, including contributing editor Dal Chodha and the store’s architect partner Samuso Hyojadong
-
Lose yourself in Bottega Veneta’s parakeet-green maze in SeoulThe Italian label has erected a maze in a car park in Seoul, coloured in its signature vibrant hue. Dare you enter the shearling-lined labyrinth?
-
APC opens in Seoul's cosmopolitan Itaewon neighbourhood -
Comme des Garçons’ new flagship store in Seoul
