Alaïa unveils new Shanghai boutique featuring sleek curves and Guan Xiao's dramatic sculpture centerpiece.

Alaïa Unveils New Shanghai Boutique with Daring Curves and Guan Xiao’s Sculptural Masterpiece

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-09-08

Alaïa’s newly reopened boutique on the third floor of Plaza 66 in Shanghai showcases a design blending contemporary art with the house’s signature style. This opening marks a significant moment as the brand introduces new elements that highlight its distinct approach to fashion. The interior is crafted from Carrara marble, Macassar ebony wood, stainless steel, and nude-toned leather, creating a luxurious yet textured ambiance.

Curved white walls and elegant mannequins in the Shanghai boutique interior.

Ala Unveils New Harmonizing Contrasts in Design

The boutique’s design juxtaposes organic curves with geometric precision, mirroring the brand’s clothing aesthetics. As the label introduces fresh design elements, the monochrome palette is elevated with contrasting materials, while nude leather accents soften and warm the space. Furniture by Philippe Malouin and Sergio Rodrigues complements these elements with sculptural and curved forms.

A centerpiece by Chinese artist Guan Xiao, titled Things I Couldn’t Forget – Nose Ornament, Quimbaya, Colombia (2019), commands attention. This sculpture, crafted from dyed fiberglass, spiral wire, and stainless steel, embodies a fusion of diverse materials and forms as the label reveals new artistic collaborations.

Explore more about this theme in Frank Gehry’s Monumental Guggenheim to see how modern architectural marvels captivate and inspire.

Boutique entrance with large glass doors and minimalist design elements.

Striking Storefront as Ala Unveils New Iconic Motif

The boutique’s facade features circular geometric elements inspired by Alaïa’s perforated motif, while the expansive glass frontage invites passersby to explore within. The interior layout encourages fluid movement through the space, reflective of the house’s innovative fashion design approach as the brand introduces new spatial concepts.

Sculptural artwork by Guan Xiao installed amidst contemporary interior decor.

The use of black and white surfaces not only emphasizes the spatial geometry but also provides a dramatic backdrop for the boutique’s select art pieces and furnishings. Curved black seating contrasts sharply with the pristine marble floors, completing the sleek, modern aesthetic as the boutique debuts new interior designs.

Luxury clothing displays in an open, airy section of the new boutique.

Every element in the boutique, from its choice of materials to its furnishings, speaks to Alaïa’s deep connection with modern art and architecture, creating a unified visual and experiential narrative. As the brand presents new artistic directions, visitors are treated to a comprehensive sensory experience.

For a similar architectural journey, discover 3XN GXN’s Sydney Waterfront Transformation, a project that brings innovative design to life.

Shoppers and staff in conversation inside the modern boutique setting.

Project Details

  • Name: Alaïa Boutique at Plaza 66
  • Brand: Alaïa | @maisonalaia
  • Location: Plaza 66, Shanghai, China
  • Artists and Designers: Guan Xiao | @guanxiaoishere, Sergio Rodrigues, Philippe Malouin

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials are used in the new Alaïa boutique?

The boutique’s interior is crafted from Carrara marble, Macassar ebony wood, stainless steel, and nude-toned leather.

Who designed the furniture in Alaïa’s Shanghai boutique?

The furniture in the boutique was designed by Philippe Malouin and Sergio Rodrigues.

What is the centerpiece art piece in the Alaïa boutique?

The centerpiece is a sculpture by Chinese artist Guan Xiao titled Things I Couldn’t Forget – Nose Ornament, Quimbaya, Colombia (2019).