Studio Couture is a space for shopping and culture. The project began as a winning entry into a local competition for a new fashion boutique in Detroit. Our strategy was to rethink the perception of a boutique by intertwining the culture of fashion with shopping for fashion. Fundamental to influencing perception is an understanding of how the boutique operates as an evolving cultural artifact within an urban context. As a way to accommodate the spatial event needs of a boutique, i.e. fashion shows, art shows, and after parties, which are normally held elsewhere; the store accommodates events and shopping into a single space.

Conceptually the idea is manifested as a ‘runway’ compositionally arranging the entire space. Wrapping from the front to back, the ‘runway’ stretches the traditional store display from the window along the entire length of the space, acting as a lens from the street. The ‘runway’ performs as a traditional fashion runway and frames space for the display of fashion. As a continuous piece the ‘runway’ divides public and private spaces forming a backdrop for the entire store. The backdrop pulls attention around an irregular corner and into a space for lounging.

The wrapping ‘runway’ facilitates the needs of shopping and culture into an open-ended, event space. By accommodating all the facets of studio couture into a single space, the image of the Studio Couture will always be shaped by its events, attitudes, and sensibilities.