Spring/Summer 2008
presented at unique water reservoir
PRESS Last night, Filippa K presented its spring/summer 2008 show under the massive columns of the monumental Ugglevik Reservoir in Stockholm. This unique neoclassical concrete structure offered an effective setting for a playfully colourful new collection rich in contrast, inspired by the American Fifties, contemporary action sports and artist Mark Rothko.
The show’s magnificent location is one of Stockholm’s best kept secrets: Paul Hedkvist’s gigantic neoclassical water reservoir high up on a forested hill in the Royal Djurgården park – a monumental Parthenon-inspired concrete structure from 1935, which enormous water tank stands 20 meters above ground on 64 massive concrete columns.
Bordered by a 94 meters long u-shaped catwalk, the audience was sitting under the reservoir on an elevated platform in the middle of the enormous 2600 m2 outdoor room. Against a 230 m2 white fabric backdrop, 30 Robert Rydberg-styled models showcased the collection to over 500 exclusive guests, including several key members of the international fashion press, who had flown to Stockholm for the occasion.
“This collection is a lot about contrasts. Sporty, military elements meet the airy, the classical, the elegant. So what better setting for this show than something as full of contrasts as a giant neoclassical concrete reservoir in the middle of Stockholm?” says Filippa Knutsson, Creative Director.
The upcoming Filippa K Woman collection is full of playful contrasts between sporty functionalism and classical elegance in both materials and cuts, with details from the world of sports parachuting as well as bold colour effects inspired by the paintings of Mark Rothko.
The Filippa K Man collection is casually masculine with strong influences from the rockabilly, biker and army aesthetics of the American fifties.
Düsseldorf
store opening
PRESS Filippa K steps up the pace of its German expansion by opening a 380 m2 concept store on Breite Straße in Düsseldorf. Germany has become the company’s most important growth market and Düsseldorf is the fourth German store in less than a year, with a planned total of 12 German stores over the next four years.
The 380 m2 Filippa K store on Breite Straße will be the largest in Germany, carrying for the first time the entire range of Filippa K concepts: men’s and women’s fashion collections, shoes, bags, accessories, as well as Filippa K Ease, the special line for comfortly elegant leisure, yoga and recreation.
”This is the first store in Germany to offer our entire range of design and fashion. Düsseldorf is a key fashion city in Germany and I’m excited to see people’s response to what is really the full Filippa K experience.” says Filippa Knutsson, Creative Director.
Germany has become Filippa K’s most important growth market. In addition to Düsseldorf, Filippa K has opened three major concept stores in Munich and Berlin since 2006, with eight more stores planned over the next four years. Filippa K is also represented by some 100 selected retailers throughout Germany, such as Feldenkirchen in Hamburg, Fashion Clinic in Düsseldorf and Stierblut in Munich.
“Long term we see Germany as Filippa K’s largest and most important market – and Düsseldorf is simply a must if you’re serious about making it in Germany. Within four years, we plan to have at least 12 Filippa K stores in Germany and are already looking at Hamburg, Cologne, Bonn and Dortmund”, says Anders Wiberg, Managing Director.
Designed by AARO Arkitekter, the Düsseldorf flagship store not only carries the entire range of Filippa K lines, its very architecture embodies the distinct Filippa K design style of combining minimal urban elegance with contemporary edge. The serene, sophisticated ambience is enhanced by exceptionally high ceilings and breathtaking 24 m of glass windows. The interior is marked by clean black and white surfaces with integrated shelves and racks juxtaposed with abstract modern furniture against a shiny black epoxy floor.
Zürich
first concept store in Switzerland
PRESS Filippa K opens its very first Swiss store in Zurich. The uniquely designed concept store is the first of many, as Filippa K announces plans to step up its growth in Switzerland.
Located in the bursting new neighborhood of Sihlcity, the new store will carry both the men’s and the women’s collection from Filippa K - known for a distinct Scandinavian design style that combines minimal urban elegance with high fashion.
The special architecture of the 100 m2 space also reflects the marquee Filippa K design principles of ”timeless simplicity with contemporary edge”. Designed by AARO Arkitekter, the new concept store plays with subtle juxtapositions of classic black walls and modern white furniture with striking floors of diamond milled Swedish limestone and softly sensual beige carpets.
”This is the first time in Switzerland we get to showcase our entire concept. Fashion, design and architecture brought together in a conceptual ambience that breathes Filippa K to the very last detail.” says Filippa Knutsson, Founder and Creative Director.
Since its foundation in Sweden in 1993, Filippa K has grown rapidly with concept stores in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and now Switzerland, as well as by 750 selected retailers worldwide, such as Selfridges in Great Britain, Fred Segal in Los Angeles and Beams in Tokyo.
In Switzerland, Filippa K has been available since 2004 at prestige retailers. The opening of the new store is the first of many, as Filippa K plans to seriously increase its presence in Switzerland.
”Opening our first concept store in Switzerland is a key milestone for us. We have great expectations for this market and plan to open more stores in Zürich and other cities in the near future.” says Anders Wiberg, Managing Director.
The new store opens to the public on Kalandarplatz 1 in Sihlcity today, followed by an exclusive opening event tomorrow night for specially selected guests from the Zürich fashion, media, music and art scene.
Grev Ture
new flagship store in Stockholm
PRESS Filippa K introduces an entirely new store concept in Stockholm – in the very same location of its first store 10 years ago. This the most ambitious Filippa K store concept to date and will set the trend for its other stores across Europe.
The new store concept is a carefully staged full fashion experience, with various themes, rooms, products and compelling special details. Designed by AARO Arktiekter, the 400 m2 space plays with contrasting floor designs, materials and lighting to create a unique and transforming ambience that is at once intensely expressive and peacefully inspiring.
Among the many flexible design solutions are glowing tables and colour-shifting light walls, as well as specially designed concept rooms for basics, fashion and festive clothes, as well as shoes and accessories. Each theme room has its own marquee style, such as gold mosaic in the women’s party attire room and sensual woods in the special room for shoes, bags and accessories, giving it a slightly softer ambience in contrast to the classically sober black and white Corian and plexiglass of the men’s department.
In addition to the entire Filippa K collection of clothes, shoes and assecories, the store will also offer a specially selected range of inspirational books, interior design items, watches, gadgets and other handpicked products that fit the various themes. The espresso machine and the DJ turntables are other defining details that add another dimension to a shopping experience far beyond the ordinary.
”This is a truly new kind of store. A unique customer experience that breathes Filippa K to the very last detail. We start out in Stockholm, but this sets the ambition also for our international stores.” says Anders Wiberg, Managing Director.
Tonight’s spectacular opening party comes exactly 10 years after Filippa K opened its first store in the very same location on trendy Grev Turegatan in Stockholm.
”Filippa K has travelled the world, but our heart and soul remain in Sweden. It’s a true joy to introduce our newest and most sophisticated store concept right here where it all began.” says Filippa Knutsson, Creative Director.
