India Mahdavi designs RED Valentino store, Rome
The newly opened RED Valentino store in Rome is the latest retail project from the enormously admired architect/designer India Mahdavi.
Together with RED Valentino creative directors, Mahdavi has produced a dramatic, romantic yet also bold and glamorous 180 square metre flagship store. Located steps from the Piazza del Popolo, the impressive store proudly evokes a contemporary take on the ‘La Dolce Vita’ vibe of 1960’s Rome.
Mahdavi grew up wanting to be a filmmaker and her interiors have a theatrical quality to them. “Being creative starts with imagination,” she tells RED Valentino. “When you have imagination your creativity is limitless. I think each project is all about telling a story.”
An unmistakably pink palette, the chosen peachy hue – accompanied with accents of brass, gold, glass and the white relief of the upper section – speaks of warmth, fun and sophistication rather than a sweet soaking of saccharine. Mahdavi’s signature geometric curves and cleverly chosen tactile furnishings break through the overtly feminine space and offer something otherworldly, almost space-like, atop a solid retro base.
The Iranian-born, Paris-based Mahdavi certainly has the design pedigree to create such a confident, fabulous space. “My inspiration comes from memories of my extensive travels and my nomadic childhood.” Applauded for designing renowned hotels and restaurants including London’s Connaught and Claridges Hotels, and The Gallery at Sketch; The Monte Carlo Beach hotel in Monaco, L’Apogee In Courchevel, Hôtel du Cloître in Arles, and Café Francais in her hometown, Paris, just to name a few. We hear RED Valentino store in London is next… Long may the Mahdavi magic inspire the RED Valentino girl, and indeed us all.
Credits: India Mahdavi and Red Valentino
Portrait of India Mahdavi by Claire Israël
