Christian Louboutin, São Paulo, Brazil

In designing flagships around the globe for Christian Louboutin, Eric Clough, principal of 212box (New York), says “Christian and I spend a lot of time designing a unique aspect into each store.”

Those efforts, including clear acrylic displays and arched wall niches that treat a single shoe as a piece of art, have become signature elements within Louboutin’s luxurious red and white environments.

In São Paulo, Louboutin’s quest to create a “new language” translated into a striking textured façade that’s covered in more than 9000 non-repeating wood tiles, including letters from more than 28 world languages and 400 symbols. “Our goal was to tap into our relationship with language and our innate ability to assign meaning to symbols and letters,” says Clough, who adds that there are hidden message within the tiled walls.

The fun and mystery continue inside, where a secret VIP room, for visiting celebrities and bridal parties, can be accessed using a sliding mirrored door. Here, a wall of one-way mirrors allows hidden glimpses into the main retail space.

Project Participants:

Design
212box, New York

General Contractor
Saeng Engenharia e Comércio Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil

Carpet
Clatt Carpete & Cia, São Paulo, Brazil

Furniture
Marton e Marton, São Paulo, Brazil

Glasses and Mirrors
Amaral Vidros, São Paulo, Brazil

Lighting
Trans Elétrica Iluminação, São Paulo, Brazil