Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées

By Editorial Staff - 1 April 2025
Alpi, Exa MP have participated in the project

At 48 rue François 1^er, in the heart of Paris, stands Maison Zilli, a boutique designed by Curiosity with the support of Studio
Mainardi. With the brand focused on redefining the concept of luxury menswear, this flagship store is an important milestone for Zilli. The store occupies an elegant Parisian building. Restored to conserve its historical value, the building’s distinctive Haussmannian elements now feature alongside modern additions. The design team has created a layout that, articulated in sequences, guides customers through an immersive shopping experience.

Upon entering the boutique, customers step inside a vestibule with walnut walls and a mirrored ceiling, which amplifies the feeling of space, inviting them to explore every corner. Touches of blue briar complement a palette of warm, welcoming tones, referencing the brand’s approach to fashion. The centerpiece of the space is a floor-to-ceiling timber display fixture for shirts. Lighting designed to show off each product to best effect creates the impression of a collection of artworks to be admired.

At basement level is the gallery, an exclusive space dedicated to custom leather goods and footwear, divided into different areas that display the various collections. Light beige carpeting creates an intimate and welcoming look, while velvet chairs and armchairs add a touch of comfort. Walnut wall paneling, accentuated by large mirrors and targeted spotlights, add sophistication and brilliance. A distinctive element of the space is the curving wall used to display footwear at different heights, creating a visual game that invites you to explore and admire every detail carefully.

The ground and the first floors, which resemble a Parisian apartment, are an exclusive refuge that offers customers an intimate, personalized experience. Large windows flood these rooms with natural light, while offering views of the Champs-Élysées district. The original moldings, a symbol of Parisian architecture, have been carefully restored and accented by lighting to enhance their beauty and recall the history of the place. Strategically positioned open walnut cabinets, marble tables, and display cases create flowing connections between the different spaces. Blue accents, which recall the distinctive shade of Zilli’s garments, punctuate soft beige and gray tones.

Sartoria con vista sugli Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy Curiosity Colori come il blu notte e il grigio definiscono l’ambiente, vestendo le poltroncine e le ante dell’armadio. Completa lo spazio una libreria, che offre ai clienti l’opportunità di esplorare il profondo legame tra sartoria e arte.

The nerve center of the store, the atelier dedicated to custom tailoring is on the third floor. This space features strong colors, such as midnight blue and gray, that create a mood that is both mysterious and elegant. In the tailoring room, with a large central table in a reflective dark gray, customers become an integral part of the creative process as they choose every detail of their outfit. Next door to it is a library of books, and arts and crafts objects, where customers can explore the deep connection between tailoring and art, immersing themselves in the traditions and expertise of the Zilli brand.

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity | At basement level, a gallery area for displaying custom leather goods and footwear features light beige carpeting, walnut wood shelving, and lighting designed to highlight products.

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity | A corridor with timber walls flanked with large mirrors guides visitors through a warm, elegant environment.

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity | The walls, shelving, and storage systems of Maison Zilli are clad with walnut surfaces from Alpi’s Chocolate collection. The grain of the walnut adds depth to the space, with chocolate hues merging with elegant textures to create a sophisticated and striking interior. Alpi timber products combine elegance and functionality to become an integral element of the design and give the space a distinctive character.

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity | Upstairs, a bespoke tailoring space offers views over the Champs-Élysées. Timber shelving, leather armchairs, and a mix of decor items create an elegant, intimate atmosphere.

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity | Extensive glazing with white and cream curtains floods the interiors with natural light. The original wall moldings have been meticulously restored and accentuated to underscore the history of the place.

Luxury with views of the Champs-Élysées | © Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity | Featured on armchairs and closet doors, tones of midnight blue and gray define the space. A library offers clients the chance to explore the deep connection between tailoring and art.

Location: Paris, France
Client: Zilli
Completion: 2024
Gross Floor Area: 660 m²
Architect: Studio Mainardi
Interior Designer: Curiosity
Main Contractor: Exa MP
Lighting Consultant: Cristian Miola Lighting

Photography: Kristen Pelou, courtesy of Curiosity

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