Since its inception nearly three decades ago, the brand of CHARLES & KEITH has notably come a long way. Now globally-recognised and beloved by celebrities and fashion aficionados, the lauded homegrown brand has looked to expand its reach outside of local shores.
Following its inaugural global flagship store launch in Seoul, Korea, in September last year, the brand has steadily continued its expansion within Asia. This year, three new flagship stores have opened, each in a key city that is brimming with fashion and street culture. The three cities—namely Tokyo, Singapore, and Chengdu—each represent a strategic milestone in CHARLES & KEITH’s journey, with each store looking to seamlessly fuse the respective city’s culture with the brand’s versatile poise and elegance.
The first opening took place earlier in March, and saw a stunning duplex boutique open in the vibrant district of Shibuya Center-Gai, Tokyo. Partnering with acclaimed architectural firm David Chipperfield Architects Milan, the store space was sculptural yet warm, constructed with a design ethos rooted in sobriety and minimalism. The focal point is the distinctive lime-based plaster membrane that outlines a sequence of pink resin niches that maximise the retail space’s geometry precision. Floors in semi-polished reconstructed stone provide a contrasting softness to the walls, with modular shelving and plush furniture adding to the Japandi aesthetic of the boutique.
Following the Shibuya store opening, July saw a homecoming of sorts, with CHARLES & KEITH opening the doors to its official flagship store here in Singapore. Located at the now-iconic shopping mall Jewel, in Changi Airport, the boutique is an homage to the cosmopolitan identity of the island. Blending together elements of traditional architecture, lush greenery and urban sophistication, the result is a distinctive retail experience like no other. Steel furniture and faux grass detailing mimic the verdure-industrial landscapes that define the city, while customised island displays anchor the centre of the store, shaped to reflect the island’s topography. Lastly, an elongated, curved LED glass panel anchors the storefront, it’s immersive visuals serving as a striking focal point and cementing Singapore as an evolved hub of technology and storytelling.
Finally, to top it all off, CHARLES & KEITH unveiled its fourth global boutique just last month, in the vibrant city of Chengdu, China. Housed within the sprawling MixC shopping complex, it is the brand’s largest store to date, and stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to offer a luxurious experience for all shoppers. The store’s exterior is adorned with lush greenery and stone-like seating, reminiscent of a tranquil zen garden, while its sleek interior boasts city-exclusive features such as Chinese artist Zhao Wei’s commissioned art piece titled ‘Good Time’. The result is a space fit that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the everyday, while maintaining the brand’s ongoing mission of championing innovation and style.
