Industry News Premier Construction Premier Retail

Handmade With Love: VASHI Enchants With Innovative Luxury Concept

Handmade with love: VASHI enchants with innovative luxury concept
Written by Amy

The newest VASHI retail space, completed in December 2017, in the heart of the shopping mall for luxury brands ā€œthe Villageā€ in Westfield, London, is another example of the skill and level of Dula expertise. After mastering challenges like for example demanding deadlines and a right-first-time approach to each element, VASHI opened on time, to budget, and at a level of design and finish commensurate with the world class luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Gucci and Burberry presented in the luxury mall. The success is testament to the capabilities of the manufacturing Dula-team, who is well-known for realizing such prestigious projects, working seamlessly with the client and its architects.

As the principle contractor, Dula implemented the highly complex engineering plans to reshape the retail space. In collaboration with the retail design specialist ā€œgpstudioā€, a unique concept was created, building upon VASHIā€Ÿs first concept store in Piccadilly, London opened two months earlier.

Dulaā€Ÿs renowned engineering expertise is clearly demonstrated in the use of beautiful material finishes, creating a sophisticated luxury with functional elegance. In the heart of the Village retail unit, shoppers are transported to a world where ā€œI Made This For Youā€ intensifies the emotional value of buying diamond jewellery. VASHI has an emphasis on customers getting involved hands-on with craftsmanship that is boldly brought into the store with its on-site sleek and modern jewellery workshop. The space reflects the brandā€Ÿs ethos of transparency and welcomes customers at every corner. Each area within is enclosed by a focus wall, patterned with sparkling rough concrete and layered copper finish.

In harmony with the revolutionary diamond jewellery workshop, a striking faceted diamond bar provides an ample work surface for customers to choose their own diamonds and design their own settings. Amazingly, the diamond bar is actually constructed from shaped MDF panels finished with glossy liquid metal and layered spray paint finishes, achieving a uniquely fabulous piece of furniture.

Dedicated consultation rooms have been curated to create a relaxed atmosphere and sense of intimacy. European walnut showcases the product silhouettes, with no glass intruding between the precious diamonds and the customers, who are encouraged to get ā€œup and closeā€ with their visions.

The new store offers shoppers inspiration, gives the Westfield retail space a distinct and ownable brand personality and is an exciting addition to VASHIā€Ÿs expanding portfolio.

Gregor Jackson, founding partner at gpstudio says, ā€œThere were doubters – including myself – whether this project could be achieved in the timescale. But with a ā€žanything is possibleā€Ÿ attitude, which Dula mirrored with their approach, Iā€Ÿm pleased to say Dula not only achieved programme, but also exacting quality and cost control.ā€

The diamond bar is actually constructed from shaped MDF panels finished with glossy liquid metal and layered spray paint finishes, achieving a uniquely fabulous piece of furniture.

The space reflects the brandā€Ÿs ethos of transparency and welcomes customers at every corner.

Dula Group

Dula is one of the leading shopfitting companies for holistic store design and exclusive interior construction in Europe and provides its services worldwide in more than 60 countries. Heinz-Herbert Dustmann, Managing Director, is the head of the second-generation family business based in Dortmund-Hombruch, Karlsbader StraƟe 1a, 44225 Dortmund. Its services include planning and design, lighting design, development, production, logistics, assembly and general contractor responsibilities. Dula executes projects for world-renowned brands, leading department stores and interior ship construction as well as in hotels, restaurants, banks, insurance companies, administrative entities and conference rooms. Dulaā€™s clients include big names such as Apple, BMW, Zara, Michael Kors, Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Selfridges, Fenwick, EsteĆ© Lauder or Leica. The Dula Group comprises design, planning and sales offices in Germany, Spain, Great Britain, the US, Lithuania, France, Russia and Dubai as well as Dula factories in Germany, Spain and Russia. www.dula.de

 

About the author

Amy