Dior's Seoul Flagship

A passion for horticulture has always been evident in the designs of Christian Dior, from the French house’s first collection in 1947—titled “Corolle,” a reference to a flower’s petals—to Raf Simons’s latest floral-infused collection unveiled at the Musée Rodin’s pointillist greenhouse. At Dior’s newest boutique, in Seoul, this legacy has been reinforced once again. Like a giant flower in the middle of the city’s Gangnam District, French Pritzker Price-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc’s design features 12 organically shaped, petal-like panels, draped around a six-story-tall structure. Within its walls one finds retail and exhibition spaces, a VIP lounge, and a café under the direction of pastry maestro Pierre Hermé. The interiors, designed by longtime Dior collaborator Peter Marina, display an elegant selection of materials and feature a suspended sculpture by Korean artist Lee Bul. Also inside: Véronique Rivemale table lamps, branch-shaped Claude Lalanne benches, and furniture by artists Hubert le Gall and Hélène de Saint Lager. Connecting the space is a striking spiral staircase that’s part of an immersive installation that features an animation by digital artist Oyoram. Just as Dior’s fashion continues to blossom, so does its architecture.

David Basulto is the founder and editor-in-chief of ArchDaily.