projets | Viabizzuno progettiamo la luce

at the intersection of madison avenue and 69th street in new york, the second shop of khaite, luxury womenswear and accessories brand, whose design is impeccable and unconventional. for this 2,000 square metre boutique in uptown, the founder and creative director catherine holstein collaborated with the architect griffin frazer to create a space that represented the evolution of the brand. the internal organisation takes its inspiration from the Japanese tatami system: large hot-rolled steel plates cover the floors without any fixed elements, creating a flexible grid that guides the movement of the space. the display elements, also made of masterfully hand-moulded steel, emerge seamlessly from the floor plane, creating volumetric depths and layers of materials. the materiality, refined details and sophisticated craftsmanship of the furnishings are the same as those applied to the khaite garments on display. the lighting design has been constructed to enhance both the architectural lines and the uniqueness of the finishes, as well as the quality of the garments. the entrance space welcomes customers with candela di vals, whose natural brass finish recalls the colours of the boutique and contributes to the construction of an exclusive ambience. in the niches, light is integrated into the furnishings with the linear 13x8 - set up for the accessories on display - and into the architecture with the c2 profile, whose light beam creates cuts and depths as if it was a theatrical backdrop.in a vertical column created by subtraction of matter, 13° angolo transforms the empty space into a luminous pillar that cleaves the wall. a dedicated display area is reserved to the most iconic garments, featuring a hanging system with integrated linear arcoled, a solution specially designed for this boutique, to illuminate the clothing in a scenographic manner. an almost museum-like illumination was conceived for the moulded steel display elements through the use of the n55 sagomatore, whose rigorously geometric beam enhances the most precious accessories. the golden-coloured dressing room doors stand out among the geometric lines and grey shades of the steel, further enhanced by the light of 13° angolo, whose lateral positioning generates movement and shadings. the khaite store on madison avenue is an intimate space where clothes, materials, finishes and architectural volumes dialogue through light.