Luxury brands change design focus

The design of luxury stores is changing according to Claire Adler writing in Knight Frank's Global Cities - The 2017 Report.

'Luxury brands are increasingly determined to communicate a sense of individuality. They're opting for smaller stores, more open floor plans and they are clocking a penchant for concept stores', she says.

Claire features a designer, Christopher Carpente, founder of a Notting Hill practice called CAPS. Working for names such as De Beers, Cartier and Burberry, his design commissions cover graphics, lighting and showrooms among other projects.

She reports his changing approach

demanded by clients: 'Originally at De Beers, we made a bold dramatic statement with plain black walls and glass partitions. Today, the stores are softer and more feminine, incorporating oak instead of ebony'.