Matteo Corbellini . photos: © Luca Bosco
The archetype of the tent embodies the romantic sense of freedom, impermanence, and the transitory nature of things.
The new design for Nanushka’s store is both light and removable, yet deeply phylosophical, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in and focus on the brand’s latest creations.
New York City stands as the global icon of heterogeneous and extreme anthropization. In the heart of Soho, I’ve designed the new store to offer a fluid, clear, and open shelter within this context, providing a meditative atmosphere.
The spatial experience is shaped by the use of assembled Nanushka fabrics within a temporary framework. Some elements are fixed, while others are mobile, creating a dynamic interplay between stability and fluidity.
Echoing the principles of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, my design emphasizes temporality, transforming the spatial experience into a unique and fleeting event. At its core, architecture serves as a form of shelter.
The space I’ve envisioned for Nanushka acts as a refuge from the city’s intensity, akin to the calm that follows a storm. Featuring a monomaterial composition of raw fabric, the design is characterized by its lightness and is installed in an ephemeral, non-permanent manner, reminiscent of a Berber tent in the desert, assembled for the night and disassembled at dawn. This focus on ephemerality aligns with both my and Nanushka’s commitment to sustainability.
The black lacquered metal furniture designed by Allina for Lunaa follows similar principles, being adaptable and fluid within the space. Raw metal pieces are assembled together through visible welding similar to sewings in a fabric.
The fabrics are in constant motion, with their textures and forms continuously evolving. They create an irregular, flowing environment with curves, folds, and ripples. The store celebrates the textiles that people wear, with the space itself being defined by the fabric’s inherent irregularities.
Matteo Corbellini
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