The new Melania Caruso Flagship Store designed by Puccio Collodoro Architects is located in the historical city centre of Palermo. Via Rosolino Pilo, where the store is situated, has been affected by a continuous evolution which has resulted in the opening of many commercial activities, making it the new shopping street at the heart of the Sicilian city.
The simple and essential lines combined to a firm use of colour determine the “minimal-pop” character of the project, marked by a balanced mix of geometric austerity and the elegant explosion of colour.
The layout of the setting, the lighting, display system and fittings, were all designed to highlight the spaces and the products, emphasized by the scrupulous attention to alignments. The apparent simplicity of design choices is the product of a laborious and accurate study of every single detail, which has allowed the streamlining and the smoothing of furnishings, in order to obtain a design which is essential but firm in character.
The Melania Caruso flagship is set over two floors, therefore the vertical connection system becomes the heart of the project. A “pink monochrome volume” is implanted between the two levels enclosing inside it the stairs and the reception desk. A simple yet effective concept.
The main access is located by the large shop window on the ground floor; from here, access is gained to an area dedicated to the sale of accessories, characterized by flooring with marble effect and a wall with display features in a golden metal finish with smooth shapes which recall the design of the entire display system, situated on the next floor. The stark contrast between the pink resin used for the floor and the stairs stands out, and painting of the same tone for the walls and the ceiling; the counter desk was created using varnished wooden strips and the tops in satin glass.
The upper floor is accessible via the stairs, where the surface is entirely dedicated to clothing and shoes display, with fitting room areas, offices and storage rooms. The “pink volume” is present close to the upper floor landing, contrasting with the flooring in parquet. In the background, in front of the great windowed surfaces, a display system with metal elements and golden finishing has been placed. The element that stands out on the upper floor is the added counter area, positioned on the back, where the counter desk covered in fabric recalls the shape of the one on the lower floor, in front of a storage cabinet covered in velvet.
