In the case of VSP, a Vespucci Group company that manufactures leather goods, collaboration is equally vital to remaining relevant. VSP creative director Kadri Soygul notes that working with a strong designer like Chalayan gives dynamism to the brand, also adding the importance of the architect he commissioned to create the brand's new two-floor retail space.
Housed within a historical Marais building with an arched entry and a glass façade, Istanbul-based architect Han Tümertekin's new boutique marries both parties’ visions. 'It was big collaboration of contemporary minds', says Soygul, for whom it was important that the two levels felt as one. Tümertekin achieved this challenging task through a semi-reflective stainless steel spiral staircase that unifies the two concrete spaces. Its rounded corners and sculptural quality soften the industrial feel of the space, as does the non-commercial sitting area and book corner on the lower ground.
These same elements of transformation and interaction are the cornerstones of Chalayan’s S/S 2015 collection for the brand. He said he 'wanted it to be sort of like a 3D form where there will be a sense of an infinite approach to the garments: you wouldn’t know where it starts and where it ends.' This fluidity was accentuated by zips that wrapped diagonally around the body, allowing the fabrics and leathers to become either more fitting or more generous.
'Of course, I’d like to take it further and explore new things,' he offers - an indirect promise that bodes well for what’s to come of this multi-season collaboration.
Mixing leather with cotton and linen, Chalyan's collection for VSP features three-dimensional shapes turned inside out to create fluid, voluminous forms
The fluid forms are accentuated by zips that wrap diagonally around the body, allowing the fabrics and leathers to become either more fitting or more generous
To coincide with the launch of the new collection, VSP has also unveiled a new Paris flagship store designed by Istanbul-based architect Han Tümertekin. Housed within a historical Marais building, the store features an arched entry and a glass façade
Inside, the retail space is split across two storeys encased in concrete and semi-reflective stainless steel
In the basement, the building's historical vaults have been transformed into a bright white space
The brand's lookbook imagery is showcased on multiple screens across the walls
ADDRESS
VSP
19, rue Debelleyme
75003 Paris
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