january 29th 2013 – London’s Regent Street is a highly decorated
shopping drag in London’s West End. The street, which is lined with
ornate Beaux Arts styled buildings, is the new home to Penhaligon’s
eccentric new shop designed by Christopher Jenner. It’s been over 140
years since the doors of Penhaligon’s first emporium opened on London’s
Jermyn Street, and now, the perfume connoisseurs are hoping to broaden
the world of scent making with their highly detailed Edwardian inspired
shop.
Jenner was brought up in South Africa, but traveled extensively
throughout his life. His globetrotting cultivated a commitment to
artisanal skill, which is evident in the immense detail of his work. In
2010 the designer set up shop in London and “In a short time we’ve built
a reputation on our ability to tell a brand story through the design of
spaces,” Jenner explained. “With the success of our other projects the
chance to work with Penhaligon’s was a natural fit.” Jenner began his
partnership with Penhaligon’s when he designed their flagship store in
Asia, which resulted in the company bringing Jenner and his team back to
design their shop on Regent Street.
Extensive marquetry paneling and handmade furniture in white Oak, gloss
and laser-cut solid brass, surround a candy-stick maze table with bow
stools, all of which sit upon a cement tile floor. A collection of
pattern, form and texture in a synthesis of traditional English
handcraft and high-tech manufacturing consume the shop.
The shop is filled with giant padded walls, punctured by chamfered light
boxes, that draw the eye into a kaleidoscope of heritage; ceiling roses
inspired by Westminster Cathedral introduce a Tudor fretwork ceiling
from which glossy Brighton Pavilion Onion Dome chandeliers are
suspended. Styled as a symbiosis of the classic and contemporary, the
design investigates a thoroughly current fusion of classic Edwardian
splendor and cutting-edge Japanese Manga.
Jenner described the most challenging part of creating his latest gem
was ensuring a consistent quality and finish across the many variable
elements. He explained that “due to the handmade nature of our work this
is both a time and relationship intensive task. Monitoring this process
from start to finish is a large part of the benefit we bring to the
final product.”
With such an elaborate space, we couldn’t help but ask Jenner what his
favorite detail in the design is, to which he replied, I love the way
we’ve used a consistent pattern in so many materials to create a magical
layered effect that communicates the qualities of the brand alongside
the qualities of craftsmanship – a true manifestation of luxury.
