Qatar has opened its newest high-end retail and entertainment destination, Place Vendôme. We bring you a round-up of the mustvisit luxury stores – retail therapy at its finest.
Steeped in Art
LOEWE’s first store in Doha showcases the full range of women’s ready-to-wear clothing, bags, small leather goods, soft accessories, eyewear and jewellery. The Place Vendôme store employs an interior familiar from CASA LOEWE London, while retaining its own bold character. Materials including handmade ceramics, brass and turned iron are used throughout the space, achieving a warm contrast with the expanses of glass and concrete. Beautifully crafted ceramic shelving and a woven bamboo wall create a warm environment that pops with occasional colour. Contemporary furniture, such as floating stone tables is on view. You will also find traditional Spanish Lebrillo ceramic bowls adorning the walls and stone vessels placed throughout, as well as a curated selection of pieces by international artists, including paintings and sculptures.
Inspired by Regional Landmarks
The architectural codes of the Parisian fashion house Hermès are immediately apparent in the Place Vendôme store. Iconic symbols are present such as the marble mosaic, emblematic of the Faubourg pattern, the symmetry of the Grecques moulded lighting overhead, and the ex-libris Hermès motif underfoot. The store benefits from an abundance of natural light; the luminosity and airiness are enhanced by the lustre of marble and stone in cream and white, punctuated with shades of amber and earthy tones. You can find unique textured details too. Sculptural undulating lines on the ceiling evoke the dunes of Khor Al Udaid. Unique hand-laid inserts in the terrazzo flooring are inspired by the rock carvings of Al Jassasiya; either marble, mother of pearl or pearlescent seashells of various scales. Hand-hewn travertine walls recall the image of Ras Abrouq’s wind-carved limestone rock formations. A store that is true to its heritage but mixed with a local flair.
French Savoir-Faire Meets Qatari Excellence
Louis Vuitton’s biggest store in the Middle East and one of only three in the region offering items from the brand’s Objets Nomades – a collection of travel-inspired furniture and objects made in collaboration with internationally renowned designers. The space features a grand and impressive facade – 14,000 cylinders are placed individually, each with a monogram diamond flower cut-out. Meticulously placed light beams shine through them, creating an impression of liquid gold. The ground floor focuses on the women’s and men’s universes including bespoke offerings, such as an exclusive fine jewellery bracelet with a cord in the Qatari flag’s burgundy colour and exotic leathers, such as an exclusive blue and yellow interpretation of the maison’s crocodile leather. The top floor houses the Salon Privé, offering unique guest experiences, and the White Box – an exhibition room, which will be rotated every six months.
Best Foot Forward
The new Christian Louboutin store is inspired by the designer’s home. Interpreted as an intimate space where women feel like they are in the home of a friend who loves them and knows them well. Floored with the house’s iconic red carpet, it has a facade of red scales and blue ceramics, evoking one of the designer’s favourite countries – Portugal. Designed as if it was his own living room, the first space presents a selection of styles for women. In the passages, doors framed with hand-painted shapes in light blue pay homage to Christian Louboutin’s love for craftsmanship and his signature sketches. A library highlights the maison’s iconic pieces. The second room, inspired by a formal living room, showcases styles from the men’s collection. At the store, you find a Middle East-exclusive collection for women and men named the Secret Garden, which pays tribute to nature.
Classic, Modern and High-Spirited
The new Ralph Lauren store represents the classic yet lively American style for which Polo Ralph Lauren is recognised throughout the world. It includes both women’s and men’s collections. The interior design fuses elements of collegiate sports mixed with the great outdoors. Rustic oak flooring and planked wood wall panelling are paired with antique and vintage-inspired display cases and tables, as well as an eclectic mix of artwork and decorative props. The Place Vendôme store opening builds on Ralph Lauren’s global targeted expansion as part of its Next Great Chapter strategy to deliver sustainable, longterm growth and value creation. This is Polo Ralph Lauren’s second store in Qatar.