Runway sets may be fleeting, but Casper Mueller Kneer Architects have mastered the art of making designs that resonate in permanent spaces. Known for crafting shows for fashion giants like Saint Laurent, Loewe, and Céline, the London and Berlin-based firm now channels its expertise into a lasting installation at Caron’s new store at 332 Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, beautifully incorporating a retro design style.
Founded in 1904, Caron holds the distinction of being Paris’ oldest perfume house. Under the artistic direction of Olivia de Rothschild, the architects transformed the space with a sharp yet elegant mandate: create a fragrance-focused environment free from distractions, honoring Caron’s Art Deco legacy and historical association with artistic glass. Their approach to interior styling ensures a seamless blend of past and present.
Art Deco Interior Design: A Study in Minimalist Elegance
The shopfront is understated, highlighting a small vitrine of dioramas. The true spectacle, however, is the central glowing column visible from the street, piquing curiosity. Inside, the walls and columns echo Art Deco motifs, with their stepped forms integrating the display seamlessly. Stainless steel envelops the room, merging with lighting built directly into the architecture, casting soft, ambient light. This modern take on the classic style helps maintain a sophisticated aesthetic.
This treatment of steel reflects blurred imagery, ensuring that the perfumed ‘juices’ exhibit as deliciously smudged colors along the walls. Mirrored surfaces extend the visual experience, offering a monochromatic canvas that bursts to life through the interplay of fragrance and light. Such restraint is indicative of Casper Mueller Kneer’s set-design focus—crafting the stage and allowing the product to shine while embracing art deco style.
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The Fountain: A Unique Ode to Tradition and Innovation
Yet, the pièce de résistance is the perfume fountain at the heart of the design. Emblematic of Caron’s signature bottle-refill service, this installation rises as a grand centerpiece. Constructed with bundles of hand-frosted, fluted glass tubes and engineered by Atelier Blam, it references Art Deco chandelier designs and Caron’s love for artisanal glass craftsmanship. It serves as a light source, display, and functional feature, a testament to innovation in retail design that aligns with art deco principles.
The store’s layout is divided into three zones: at the front and rear are the Collection Merveilleuse and Pour un Homme lines, complemented by cash desks and archive walls. A staircase leads to an exclusive VIP area on the first floor, ensuring an esteemed customer experience.
Casper Mueller Kneer Architects have not merely designed a beautiful store; they have captured the exhilaration of a fashion show, making it the atmospheric norm. With this project, they have successfully melded the theatrical with the functional, creating a perpetual stage for Caron’s legendary perfumes, anchored in the distinctive aesthetic.
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Images courtesy of Casper Mueller Kneer Architects. Photography by Paul Riddle.
Source: yellowtrace.com.au
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the new interior for Caron’s store?
The new interior for Caron’s store was designed by Casper Mueller Kneer Architects, a London and Berlin-based firm.
What styles and themes are incorporated in Caron’s store design?
Caron’s store design incorporates Art Deco motifs, with stepped forms, stainless steel, and lighting built into the architecture, merging past and present styles.
What is the centerpiece of the new Caron store?
The centerpiece of the new Caron store is a perfume fountain constructed with bundles of hand-frosted, fluted glass tubes engineered by Atelier Blam, referencing Art Deco chandelier designs.