Villa Moda

Villa Moda is located in Bahrain, UAE, which is an extravagant retail store in the Middle East.  It is owned by a fashion icon of the Middle East, known as Sheikh Majed.  Sheikh is all about taking risks and he wanted to find someone who was just as adventurous and over the top as he was.  He wanted someone who did not have any experience in designing retail stores in hopes that they could design with a fresh eye and new approach.  Therefore, Wanders, who has been well-known for his furniture designs, had the honours of designing the interior of this luxury fashion store.

“The souk is the ultimate marketplace, a concentration of innovation and tradition, diversity and intimacy. Lose yourself in labyrinth passages and find yourself anew. We designed Villa Moda Bahrain as an international Babel of fashion, in order to share instead of divide. Meet the people of the own streets; shake hands and learn each other’s language.” - Marcel Wanders

Those are the words Wanders had to say about the concept of his design.  He was inspired by the traditional souk, which is an outdoor marketplace filled with food and merchandise vendors held traditionally in the Arabian city.  Therefore, Villa Moda combines all of the different, unique cultures and creates a festive place that celebrates people coming together and the joining of all the festivities and joyous moments.

Storefront & Entryway

From the moment you step foot in the store, you are welcomed by a beautiful storefront filled with dozens of oversized pearly white balls and with a single red ball at eye level with the words Villa Moda in gold.  The whimsical and very different, uniquely designed storefront doesn't need to rely on a flashy sign for the store or beautiful displays of clothing because the design already speaks for itself.  You are automatically enchanted by this fun yet luxurious place that you are drawn to walk through the hallway with the large, gold motifs on the walls and ceilings.  It really feels expensive and classy with the white and gold.    

Most retail stores rely on lavish window displays to attract customers, using mannequins, merchandise and props.  But Wanders strays from the norm, and instead, creates an emotional experience that you will remember and want to go back, not just for the merchandise, but for the retail design.  Instead of using the typical glass windows and simple white walls with wood flooring, for example, he plays with patterns, shapes and form using the white pearl balls and decorative motifs. 

Every corner you turn, there is something different and exciting. There is always something that catches your eye. I don't think there is one spot in the entire space where your breath isn't taken away. You can't help but stand in awe of the place. It is very stimulating with all the floral patterns, curves and over the top, upscale decals and graphic designs. However, it is done in a classy way that makes the place feel very hip and happening, and is the go to place for the newest and latest trends in the fashion world. The use of mainly shades of grey and white create a very sophisticated feeling which allows the vibrant, soft fabrics of the different clothing collections to pop out. It is a great way to bring one's attention to the product.