waterfrom embraces an 'unfinished' spatial narrative for anest collective boutique in chengdu

Waterfrom Design conceives ANEST COLLECTIVE’s second boutique

Waterfrom Design collaborates with ANEST COLLECTIVE for the creation of the brand’s second boutique in Chengdu. The approach embodies the essence of creativity, drawing from the profound sentiment shared between the architects and the brand regarding the elusive spark of creation. In contrast to the architectural lines of the Shanghai store, the Chengdu boutique reflects the high-end fashion brand’s creative origins, fostering a connection between the narrative of crafting clothing and the spatial environment.

The design process embraces imperfection and the ‘unfinished,’ exploring materials, experimental combinations, and beauty in the often-overlooked incomplete state. The creative process involves imprecise arrangements, scattered materials, and spontaneous experiments, all of which can inspire the next idea. The Italian workshop serves as the genesis of ANEST’s narrative, symbolizing unyielding inspiration and uncompromised intuition. The studio, with its interim setups and scattered visuals, embodies the freest state of creativity, shaping the storefront layout with overlapping frames, fireplaces, and paneling.

all images by Lee Kuomin Photography Teams

‘imperfect’ spatial arrangement Unveils ANEST’s Creative Process

The design by Waterfrom Studio intentionally reveals and conceals elements, creating a contour reminiscent of overlaid frames while mimicking fabric folds in the flooring. The spatial narrative aims to cultivate interaction, sparking curiosity, imagination, and empathy in the viewer. Emphasizing the gleam within details, the design subtly echoes the environment, using fabric stacks and irregular displays to establish visual intensity and tension between fashion and fabric appearance.

By leaving gaps and dispersing elements in the narrative, the design inspires appreciation for the traces of creation, embodying the essence of creativity in every strand and thread. The boutique becomes a space where the ‘unfinished’ design encourages viewers to step back and engage with the beauty found in the imperfections of the creative process.

the imprecise scattering and incomplete visuals shape the storefront layout

interim setups within the studio, with unfinished wood and scattered sketches, embody a free state of creativity

patterned floorings mimic fabric folds, as a playful conflict between rigid materials and the illusion of softness

ANEST’s second boutique in Chengdu reflects the brand’s creative origins

the creative process involves imprecise arrangements, scattered materials, and spontaneous experiments

ANEST COLLECTIVE is dedicated to artistic themes, exploring refined lines and precise textures in fabrics

the design narrative explores the principles of materials and fashion’s experimental combinations

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project info:

name: ANEST COLLECTIVE
architect: Waterfrom Design | @waterfrom_design

location: Chengdu, China

photography: Lee Kuomin Photography Teams

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom