Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Interni per la vendita al dettaglio di moda

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Unlike any store in the Southern California outdoor mall, we incorporated textured deep and dark materials into the space. The use of partial-height smoked glass supported by steel is unusual for this earthquake zone, allowing for an open ceiling with exposed ductwork and views across the compact area, making it feel larger. The lighting contrasts rugged textures with the sophisticated elegance of Rubin and Chapelle’s fashion. Through the grey glass, customers glimpse intimate, exclusive spaces for evening wear and fittings, adding a touch of refined exclusivity.

Dimensions & Packaging

Store area 95 sqm. Main ceiling height: 5030mm. Storefront height, top of shelves and ceiling height at entry: 3650mm. Top of glass partitions and entry door: 2750mm.

Tags

Retail, fashion, luxury, rustic

Production Technology

The design incorporates partial-height walls of smoked glass and steel as a counterbalance to the rustic materials. It is particularly notable in this earthquake-prone area to have walls that do not rise to the ceiling for anchorage. This choice allows for an open ceiling with exposed ductwork, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and providing views across and through the compact space.

Design Challenge

Determining how to get the desired flow and visual lucidity while faced with the earthquake zone structural restrictions proved challenging. We made it even more daunting when choosing to hang all the shelving on the walls with minimal connections to the floor. Careful coordination with the structural engineer had to be done to achieve the look we were after.

Research

To ensure the boutique reflects the brand, we visited their other stores and workshop and interviewed the owners. We also spoke with the mall operators about their plans to upscale with luxury brands. Based on this information, we limited elements in the dressing room, added multiple mirrors in the fitting area, and provided transparency for customers to bring friends. Layered curtains were installed in the changing rooms to allow items to be passed through without opening them, and hanging rods were elevated to accommodate long draping dresswear.

Inspiration

Drawing inspiration from the RC workshop, an old fabric warehouse in New York City, the design intends to encourage exploration of a mysterious, rustic space. The aim is to encourage customers to explore the space more thoughtfully, moving away from traditional retail layouts that often limit interaction and engagement.

Project Duration

The project started with a meeting with the owners of Rubin and Chapelle in February of 2024. We started working with them on the design shortly after, completing it in May that year. Construction started in January 2025 and was completed in May 2025. (It took a long time because of the Corona disaster.) The store, located in Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California, opened in May 2025.

Operation Flow

The wedge-shaped space has side walls oriented toward the entry, making them too prominent. To enhance discovery, we added smoked glass partitions that delineate interconnected triangular and rectangular zones. These openings subtly reveal the spaces beyond, enticing visitors to explore further. The rectangular arrangement of fitting and evening wear areas creates a runway-like experience, encouraging dynamic interaction with the space. Deeper shelving segments clothing into smaller, curated groups, effectively slowing the shopping pace and promoting thoughtful exploration.

Image Credits

Rubin and Chapelle