Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini by UE Architecture

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini by UE Architecture is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ingaphakathi Competition Category.

IbhulonziIngaphakathi· 2026

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini

by UE Architecture

Client: Rubin and Chapelle

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ingaphakathi Category

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The Design

About Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini

IRubin and Chapelle Boutique iyingaphakathi lokuthengisa imfashini elitholakala eNewport Beach, eCalifornia. Isitolo sinobukhulu obungamamitha-skwele angama-95 futhi sithola ugqozi endaweni yokusebenzela endala yenqolobane yezindwangu eNew York City. Izinto ezimnyama ezinokuthinteka zihlanganiswa nezindonga ezinesiqu esingaphelele zengilazi enentuthu nensimbi. Izihlukanisi zima ngaphansi kophahla, ngakho uphahla oluvulekile namapayipi omoya avezwe obala kuhlala kubonakala futhi indawo encane izwakala inkulu. Izindawo ezinxantathu nezinonxande ziphethe izindawo zokulinganisa nezengubo zakusihlwa. Amashalofu ajule kakhulu ahlukanisa izingubo zibe amaqoqo amancane ukuze kunciphiswe isivinini sokuthenga.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Rubin and Chapelle Boutique Ingaphakathi Lokuthengisa Imfashini iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
Team Members: Jeff Goldberger, Architect, UE Architecture
Sean Kim, Structural Engineer, KNSE Structural Engineering
Image Credits: Rubin and Chapelle