The Bálancing Shanghai
What: The bálancing, which targets the fashion-savvy Gen Z demographic with a tightly curated range of high-end brands, has opened a new store in Shanghai.
Why it is important: With pandemic restrictions being lifted, the bálancing's new retail space is part of a number of interesting new stores that are emerging as China's local retail scene adjusts.
The store occupies an irregularly shaped, 372 square-meters on the second floor of an upscale complex that features two residential towers and a shopping centre in the Xujiahui area of Shanghai.
The brand collaborated with All Design Studio, a Shanghai-based architecture and design studio, to tackle the challenging dimensions of the new space. Taking inspiration from abstract painter, Vassily Kandinksy, they created a fitting retail setting that returns to a two dimensional way of reconstructing spatial balance and gives geometry a three-dimensional expression. This is reflected throughout the store design, from a triangular window display and central display island, to a three-part cashier counter, and a circular grid on the ceiling.
The boutique has a grey and silver backdrop, allowing the merchandise to pop. Splashes of color are also feature throughout the store, on an LED screen that suspends across the premises, the furniture, and a colorful sculpture called Fashion Cocoon.