Take a Look Inside Lemaire’s First China Boutique in Chengdu

Summary

• Lemaire’s Chengdu boutique marks the brand’s first store in China
• Designed by F.O.G. Architecture, the store features a recessed façade imbued with traditional Sichuan elements
• The store incorporates design details that nod to traditional Chinese elements

Lemaire’s first boutique in China, located in Chengdu’s Taikoo Li district, is a masterful blend of tranquility and cultural heritage. Designed by F.O.G. Architecture, this 140-square-meter space opts for a recessed façade that creates a buffer zone between the bustling shopping center and the serene interior. This entryway, adorned with movable potted plants housed in traditional Sichuan sauce jars, echoes the under-eaves spaces of classical Chinese architecture, offering visitors a ritualistic passage into the store’s immersive environment.

Materiality plays a central role in the store’s design, with local bamboo serving as a recurring motif throughout the space. From bamboo flooring and curtains to stone textures that mimic woven bamboo, the design balances authenticity and abstraction in its architectural narrative. Traditional Sichuan crafts are thoughtfully integrated, showcasing collaborative efforts between the architects, local artists and regional artisans. Examples include Yi-made Cha’erwa wool shawls that are repurposed as curtain panels and woven Cizhu bamboo door handles. This fusion of local craftsmanship and global aesthetics ensures the boutique remains contextually authentic while aligning with Lemaire’s minimalist design philosophy.

Moroccan Bejmat tiles, a distinctive signature element frequently used by Lemaire, are incorporated into the design, referencing the subtle greyscale tones found in traditional Chinese masonry. This choice further enhances the boutique’s harmonious interplay of diverse materials. Architectural details within the space also derive inspiration from local historical structures. For instance, baseboards are reimagined from the wooden thresholds of the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, transforming them into soft and fluid transitions between different surfaces.

The store’s serene atmosphere is reinforced by its thoughtful spatial organization, which subtly integrates technical ingenuity into its design. Vertical boards are discreetly embedded within door frames, while gaps left on both sides of the threshold imply their presence without disrupting the visual flow. The extended lintel above the entrance doubles as a wooden hanging bar, elegantly displaying apparel while maintaining the boutique’s understated aesthetic.

Lemaire Chengdu
Boutique 1342, 1/F Building 18, Taikoo Li Chengdu
No. 8 Zhongshamao Street, Jinjiang District
Chengdu, Sichuan, China 610021