Fashion in a box: Store by Herzog & de Meuron

Miu Miu now presents its fashion collections in this new boutique on Mijuki Street in Tokyo's Aoyama district. The building resembles a box with a slightly opened flap which half-covers the windows and entrance area.  Herzog & de Meuron have given the two-storey building a somewhat understated design that almost conceals the boutique in a plain and reticent metallic surface. The windows and entrance area are located behind a deeply slanting awning that almost reaches the ground. This is to arouse curiosity in passers-by as the steeply angled canopy means that the two storeys and the entrance can only be seen when standing directly in front of the windows.  The inner side of the awning is clad in elegant copper given rounded edges to underscore the plain effect. Contrast-rich colours and inviting sofas and stools predominate inside, where some of the wall surfaces and furnishings are upholstered in bright green brocade fabric. The copper lining of the inclined awning can be seen from the inside through the windows, meaning it also catches attention inside the store.  Source: Herzog & de Meuron