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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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Nick Leith-Smith in Ginza Six, Tokyo
ShopsHolly Cunneen

Nick Leith-Smith in Ginza Six, Tokyo

Japan

Architect, interior designer and long time collaborator with Manolo Blahnik, Nick Leith-Smith has opened the luxury label’s newest store in the Asia Pacific.


In an interview, Nick Leith-Smith once said: “interiors are […] about creating memorable, unique experiences”. The London-based architect and interior designer grew up in Hong Kong, trained in Glasgow, and now splits his time between projects around the globe.

His latest work not only echoes this sentiment but marks yet another retail space he’s worked on with long time collaborative partners Manolo Blahnik. This time the venue was an impressive 60-square-metre flagship store for the designer shoe boutique in the highly anticipated Ginza Six shopping mall in Tokyo.

The mall itself has been heralded as the coming together of art, architecture and a luxury shopping experience. Yoshio Taniguchi was the lead architect on the project, and was a fitting choice given the Japanese-born architect shot to international acclaim in 1997 when he secured his first international commission for the expansion of The Museum of Modern Art in America.

Manolo Blahnik does a good job of representing Ginza Six’s vision on its own accord but Nick et al.’s design also reflects a strong sense of local identity. Quality materials and unique craftsmanship champion the message.

Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living

The focal element is the timber installation that runs through the entirety of the store. Referencing iconic Japanese joinery, the interlacing wooden slats traverse across the ceiling, connects walls, support shelves and act as hangars. “Functionally dynamic and playful much like the brand itself,” says a spokesperson for Nick Leith-Smith.

A feature wall is crafted by hung tiles falling in an undulating curve pattern inspired bu the ginko leaf and a dramatic contrast comes at the helm of indigo blue walls. Marble flooring and in-laid shelves further enhance the atmosphere. The seating, taken from the mid-century Finn Juhnl 137 collection inspired by the iconic Miyajima Watergate, consists of low armchairs with hand-sewn upholstery in brightly coloured hues.

So pull up a chair and kick off your heels – then replace them.

Nick Leith-Smith
nickleithsmith.com

Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living
Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living
Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living
Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living
Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living
Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living
Manolo Blahnik Ginza Six | Habitus Living

About the Author

Holly Cunneen


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Issue 59 - The Life Outside Issue

Issue 59

The Life Outside Issue

Introducing the Life Outside issue of Habitus magazine. With life increasingly being absorbed into a digital space, there is never a more important moment to hold something tangible. In this context, the power of nature to have a physiological impact on our sense of wellbeing has never been more important. So how can we cultivate the benefits of the our natural environment in the most intimate of places – our homes? This was the question that helped to bring this issue of Habitus to life.

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