A new Dolce & Gabbana store opens in Miami’s design district this month, the interiors are designed by award winning architect Gwenael Nicolas. For the Miami boutique Nicolas pays homage to Milan’s famous opera house, Teatre alla Scalla, one of Dominico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana’s favorite places.
The front window of the new store features a glass facade, like a transparent curtain, allowing viewers to peek onstage at the theater.
As visitors step behind the glass curtain they see renditions of neoclassical sculptures with faces and bodies in the likeness of classical heroes, they are ready to perform, their figures illuminated by spotlights.
Beyond the entrance the two-story boutique is decorated with baroque mirrors and counters and walnut furnishings embellished with polished steel or gold velvet. A baroque style display counter holds a selection of their precious jewelery.
Connecting the two floors is a travertine staircase. The stone slabs are used for the stairs and float along the walls and ceiling. They transition the theatrical themed store from onstage to the backstage.
On the second floor Gwenael uses black stone slabs in the ceiling. The stones are placed in a deconstructed composition with the metallic finishes left exposed, it is meant to emphasize the feeling of being backstage.
The glass curtain extending up from the first floor allows natural light to filter brightly into the warm space.