Dior façade concept – Chengdu, China

In 2017, Barthélémy Griño won a competition organized by Christian Dior Couture to design the facade of its Dubai Mall storefront. The exclusive design concept was later implemented to numerous boutiques around the world, notably in Asia and the United States. Through the development of these tailor-made facades, the design approach reflects the brand’s identity and iconic values.
The facade features a series of marble vertical lamellas that provide different perspectives to the design as movement is introduced. Each blade is of equal thickness with varying depths and multiple slants at the edges. These two details together create a sequenced rolling effect of light and shadows when looked at strolling.
The surface full of folds captures the visitor’s gaze and allows them to perceive a moving facade. In the tradition of kinetic art, this sober and elegant installation provides a subtle optical illusion framing the products displayed within the showcases.