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A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store

Italy’s Molteni&C has cemented its presence in China with the grand opening of its largest flagship store in the world.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD

Located in Shanghai’s Golden Union Shi Bo compound, the impressive Molteni&C flagship store spans nearly 38,000 square feet across two floors. 

 

By partnering with China’s leading design service provider Domus Tiandi, Molteni&C marks a new chapter in its expansion strategy for the region.

 

Drawing inspiration from the building’s striking Brutalist architecture, the flagship’s interior seamlessly blends industrial elements with Molteni&C’s signature Italian design. The original reinforced concrete columns remain a prominent feature, adding a touch of raw elegance to the space.

 

More than just a retail space, the flagship serves as a multifaceted design destination. Visitors can explore a dedicated gallery featuring a temporary exhibition focused on the legendary Gio Ponti and the brand’s esteemed Heritage collection. 

 

Additionally, the location boasts a unique indoor-outdoor restaurant, providing a chic environment to immerse oneself in the world of Molteni&C.

A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD

Prime location in Shanghai's Design Hub

The flagship’s strategic positioning reflects Molteni&C’s commitment to design excellence. Situated on the banks of the Huangpu River, the location sits near the renowned Shanghai Power Station of Art and the Expo Riverside Dingbo Tower, designed by Pritzker Prize winner Sir David Chipperfield.

A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD

Adapting to cultural context: Van Duysen's vision

Flemish designer and architect Vincent Van Duysen, Molteni&C’s creative director, masterfully adapted the space to resonate with local sensibilities. 

 

Emphasizing a “palace-like” atmosphere, Van Duysen’s design utilizes a sequence of curated spaces and perspectives that highlight the building’s grandeur.

 

“Silent but refined spaces, always different from each other in size and finishes,” Van Duysen said, referring to the flagship’s variety while maintaining Molteni&C’s signature elegance. 

A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD

Subtle touches inspired by Chinese culture are woven into the design, creating a truly unique blend of global and local aesthetics.

 

This latest flagship opening exemplifies Molteni Group’s relentless expansion strategy. As a family-controlled company and one of Italy’s design powerhouses, Molteni Group boasts a presence in over 100 countries with more than 700 stores and 100 mono-brand flagships. 

 

2023 saw a flurry of new store openings, including flagships in Melbourne, Kunming, Taichung, Kuala Lumpur, Doha, Frankfurt, and Helsinki. This momentum continues into 2024 with planned openings in San Francisco and Majorca.

A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD

Spreading the culture of quality living

Celebrating the firm’s 90th anniversary during Milan Design Week, Molteni Group president Carlo Molteni reaffirmed their mission: “In this important year, we want to share our goal for the future: spreading the culture of quality living throughout the world.” 

 

The Shanghai flagship embodies this vision, offering a breathtaking experience that celebrates Italian design heritage in a unique urban setting.

A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD
A palace of design: Molteni&C takes over Shanghai with a sprawling flagship store / Photo via JONATHAN LEIJONHUFVUD

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