In the famous Beverly Hills shopping triangle, retail storefront and square footage comes at a premium so function and style carry equal weight when attracting the high-end consumer. The new West Coast flagship store for Banana Republic intended to be a direct response to the relationship between store imagery and product. Banana Republic, owned by GAP Inc., was attracted to the building for both its location and the significant character of the original 1920's eclectic Mediterranean style. GAP hired KAA Design to significantly remodel and add to the existing retail space and seamlessly infuse the Banana Republic vision to the prime location.
From the street, a featured outdoor entry vestibule, limestone details, and cherry wood windows combined to give the building a warmth and character that simulates the store's merchandise. The attraction for the store's clientele begins on the street and continues through to the interior spaces. A double-sided scissor stair within a large sky lit vestibule dominates the interior of the 12,000 square foot store. The comfortable and semi-casual clothing product is displayed within a relaxed and residential-like environment with a seating group around a stone fireplace, and several custom display fixtures incorporating antique doors and gates with new iron bases and glass tops. Materials such as wood and limestone floors and cotton drapes with belt buckle tiebacks complete the soft ambiance.
