The buzz: The first Maison concept store to open in Southeast Asia, and only the fifth in the world. Housed in a standalone glass and crystal pavilion at the Marina Bay Sands (the other ones home to mega clubs Avalon and Pangea), its nautical-inspired exterior and interior are a sight to behold. It opened to much fanfare with the likes of Cate Blanchett and Chow Yun-Fat gracing the ceremony.
The vibe: The interior designed by Peter Marino is worth the trip alone. Paying homage to the “traveler” and the “spirit of the sea,” Marino beautifully recreates a luxury yacht-like experience within the building, with lots of room for streaming daylight. Timber used for sailing ships and the stone of harbors and slipways are also intricately incorporated into floors and walls, evoking an authentic Mediterranean vibe. The glass walls of the pavilion also enable customers to catch views of the surrounding Marina Bay area at almost every turn, ensuring a thoroughly memorable shopping experience.
The goods: Yes, the full Autumn/Winter collection, including a specially-curated “Made for Travel” section for men focusing on goods made from hi-tech fabric, is all here. But you really should check out the vintage LV luggage on display on the second floor, as well as a selection of artworks on show here for the very first time. They include photography works by Chow Yun-Fat and Charles Lim, digital video works by Ho-Yeol Ryu and canvas pieces by Yunizar, all evoking the nautical spirit of the store. Also not to be missed: A permanent installation by Turner Prize winner Richard Deacon, whose massive hanging sculpture “Upper Strut,” made from three interlocking pieces suspended from the ceiling, will have you looking up to the gods for a good five minutes.
Why you’ll be back: Arguably the most beautiful boutique on the island, the sheer magnitude of the place and the thought put into its design and merchandise is worth a few visits.
