There was a time when the catchphrase "Turn My World Upside Down" was associated with an emotional state of being. However, Smallna Architects have literally tried defying gravity and turned a boutique store upside down for a Polish fashion brand, "Risk. Made in Warsaw".
According to Dezeen, the designers at Smallna derived their inspiration from" Risk. Made in Warsaw's" clothing range. The fashion brand makes clothes that can be worn inside-out or back- to-front, which creates a visual illusion of 'defying gravity'.
The architects have fixed a side table, a sofa and a chair to the ceiling. A pair of shoes and a crumpled skirt has also been stuck to the ceiling that looks like the clothes and shoes have been discarded on the floor. Furthermore, steel pipes jut out from the walls, floor and the ceiling that form rails. Clothes are hung on the rails that look like they are hanging in both directions.
A floor-to-ceiling cylindrical dressing room is located in the center of the room. Wrapped in grey curtain fabric, the room looks like it could be accessed from both the floor and the ceiling. In addition to all the furniture, a concrete balloon also hangs from the ceiling but looks like it is being held down by its string tied to a brick (ceiling view), but when viewed from the floor, it looks like a ball hanging down from the ceiling.
Walls of the store have been painted to look like the sky. Vintage 1940s American train lights and 1960's Polish tram lights have been used to light the store.
"Smallna collaborated with Polish artist Joanna Gwóźdź to create this deceptive installation, whilst Daiusz Kwiet - another Polish artist - painted the walls of the shop to look like the sky," reportsDezeen.
Concept retail stores are all the rage now. Recently, Chanel renovated its store at Bal Harbor Shops Mall in Miami that reflects the elegant style of Chanel and pays a tribute to its founder. Restoration Hardware's brand new Boston store has a mini-bar, a bowling alley and a lounge too.
Check out "Risk. Made in Warsaw's" "Upside-Down" boutique store in the slideshow here.