sonia rykiel’s café-cum-library concept for book-lined paris pop-up shop

sonia rykiel conceives café-cum-library concept for book-lined paris pop-up shop
all images courtesy of sonia rykiel

the sonia rykiel flagship store in paris has been transformed into a café-cum-library as part of a pop-up concept, which sees nearly floor-to-ceiling shelves of hardcovers and paperbacks trace the perimeter of shop’s interior walls.

the site, located on the lively boulevard saint-germain, has undergone a complete redesign by swedish-portuguese artist andré saraiva and art director thomas lenthal, who reconfigured the space as a book-lined, mirror clad retreat. items for sale, including pieces from rykiel’s latest collection, handbags, small accessories and shoes, are set within rectangular voids cut-out from the built up book wall, topped by long reflective surfaces and hot red trim. a skylight allows natural illumination to offset warm-toned lighting inside, granting the space a surprisingly intimate sensibility despite its large scale. 

nearly floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with books trace the perimeter of shop’s interior

red walls and mirror-clad pedestals and handrails create a dynamic contrast to the books

a pattern featuring books, lips, and eyes is applied to the blue and red carpet

shelves packed with books line the interior of the pop-up shop

items for sale are displayed alongside the mirrored surfaces and book-lined walls

 
the redesign has been realized by artist andré saraiva and art director thomas lenthal