Michael Kors set to open first Chinese flagship

Luxury American brand Michael Kors has introduced its new store facade concept for its first flagship in China, at Jing An Kerry Centre in Shanghai, which will become the brand's largest store in China. The shop, which measures nearly 6,000 square feet, showcases a completely

new store facade concept designed by Michael Kors’ in-house design team in collaboration with New York-based architectural firm KPF. The flagship features numerous new design elements, starting with a “shimmering” two-story exterior facade that was inspired by Michael Kors’ signature use of metallics and texture.

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key features includes the use of luminous screens made of unique, light-reflective facets set within a grid of internally lit recesses, which aims to evoke the light-catching allure of a sequined gown.

"I’m thrilled to be opening a flagship in Shanghai,” said Michael Kors. “It’s an incredible store for an incredible city. We wanted to design something that is sophisticated, glamorous, and modern a fabulous shopping environment for the stylish, fashion-forward Chinese customer. I can’t wait to welcome our customers new and devoted to this incredible space in a city that has long defined cosmopolitan chic."

The interior of the store was conceived and appointed to reflect the signature “jet set glamour” of the brand and includes 30-foot-high mirrored wall, etched with the MK jacquard pattern, as well as a framed giant video screen, polished stainless steel fixtures, and zebra-skin accents, which are all designed to create a “luxurious and inviting atmosphere”.

Michael Kors to debut new store concept in China

The flagship houses two firsts for the brand - a dedicated men’s accessory presentation and a women’s shoe salon carrying both the Michael Kors Collection and Michael Michael Kors shoe line. In addition, the store will carry handbags from both labels as well as its watches, jewellery and eyewear ranges.

The upper floor is geared to engaging the more luxurious Michael Kors shopper and includes two side-by-side women’s ready-to-wear shops, one for Michael Kors Collection and the other for Michael Michael Kors.

Commenting on the new store, John Idol, CEO of Michael Kors, added: "Our new flagship at Jing An Kerry Centre is not only the largest Michael Kors store in China but it also features an innovative, dynamic façade design that highlights the significance of this store.

"The cutting edge nature of Shanghai retail and architecture, as well as the importance of China to our overall growth strategy, made the Jing An Kerry Centre an ideal location to expand upon our signature approach to the shopping experience, which we consider crucial to the brand’s identity. I’m looking forward to welcoming our customers to this extraordinary new store."

Michael Kors was established in 1981 and has flagship stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, Dubai and Tokyo.

Images: Michael Kors