Malin+Goetz Westfield Century City
Los Angeles, California
This was the first time we designed an M+G boutique located in a shopping mall. The Westfield Century City space in Los Angeles was larger than other boutiques and the size presented challenges inherent to the products’ small scale and the intimacy we prefer from a denser installation. To draw visitors through the store and modulate the retail experience, we divided the expanse into three subtly delineated zones, each with its own sense of place.
From the glass entry, a vintage department store vitrine that was originally used to display folded men’s shirts showcases product and engages visitors. A monolithic, freestanding sales counter clad in Arabescato marble in front of two floating marble display shelves that cantilever from the wall anchor the shop’s middle section. An integrated sink allows the counter to accommodate light spa treatments and product demonstrations as well as sales. Opposite the counter, three acrylic niches set within the hand-plastered wall presents the bulk of M+G’s face, body and hair care products. Inspired by the work of Light and Space artist James Turrell, the voids of the display niches are slightly larger than the wall openings, with gently curved backs that create beguiling, rounded wells of light.
The walls and purposely lowered ceiling in the rear are wrapped in fumed, wire-brushed planks of European oak, which creates a warm, contrasting environment that beckons patrons to explore the brand’s candles and fragrances. A continuous floor of large oak planks laid in a chevron pattern—a modern interpretation of traditional herringbone—unifies the floor.
The M+G Century City boutique uses contrasting texture and color, along with a sublime manifestation of artificial light, to elevate the store design, imbuing mystery, understated luxury and desire.