60 SQM, BUILT 2008
FANTASTICAL SPACE_ Set in Singapore’s historic Fullerton Hotel, MOD’s concept for fashion designer Ashley Isham’s 1st boutique in Singapore is inspired by the magical tale of Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll... where surreal experiences await one beyond the threshold of convention and normalcy.
You meander through the Window Display to ‘discover’ the threshold past the Looking Glass into Ashley’s Wonderland beyond, where mirror frames adorn the walls and ceiling to house garments, shoes, accessories, paintings, lamps, video screens; even the changing room is concealed behind a hidden door of mirror frames.
The experience of ‘discovering’ the wonderland space is not only surreal, but also lends an air of exclusivity to the luxury retail experience which remains visually shielded from the street frontage. In addition, MOD also designed the custom furniture, the signage, the commemorative silver clutch, the shopping bag and the wrap tissue, all in the interest of crafting a holistic experience.
The use of various mirrors of different sizes is an allusion to Carroll's plot device in Through The Looking Glass, where Alice frequently shrinks or grows to fit through doorways.
Or perhaps the mirrors are a metaphor of the diversity and multi- faceted nature of modern life. Either way. they are highly effective in creating a multi- layered, multi-dimensional space, despite the small confines.
"When Colin first presented me with his impression of what he envisioned the shop to look like, I got very excited as the illustrations captured the essence of the magical boudoir that I had in mind and when the shop was unveiled, the illustrations literally came to life!"
