Claus Porto's Lisbon Flagship - DPAGES - a design publication for lovers of all things cool & beautiful

Claus Porto’s Lisbon Flagship

Claus Porto Lisbon Flagship Store by Joao Mendes Ribeiro | Photo by Jose Campos

ESTABLISHED…

in 1887, luxury beauty and fragrance brand Claus Porto was born of a marriage between two European cultures – the German roots of founders Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schwederits and the Portuguese bounty of the Porto countryside. In the century plus since its inception, the brand has become known worldwide for its finely handcrafted fragrance soaps, wrapped in stunning graphic papers pulled from the house’s vintage archives. In celebration of their 130th year in business, the brand tapped renowned Portuguese architect João Mendes Ribeiro to envision the look for their first flagship store…

Photography by José Campos

SET IN A…

split level space comprised of two distinct areas, the main shop boasts the detailing of an old apothecary complete with wooden display cabinets and ornate plaster ceilings. Building upon these strong bones, the brief for the main room centered around restoration and preservation, with an additional focus on designing a fresh cosmopolitan future for the history rich brand.

Photography by José Campos

AS ONE ENTERS…

the new store from Lisbon’s Rua da Misericórdia, a single brass case piece takes center stage – punctuating the redesign as it casts the history of its surrounds in a whole new light. Keeping the rest of the floor plan clear – products are highlighted against pristine white backdrops – artfully arranged in bouquets of color, pattern, and scent.

Photography by José Campos

THE SHOP’S…

lower level is accessed by way of a small museum-like corridor designed to highlight artifacts of the company’s past. A few steps beyond this lies the clean lined barber shop / archive / counseling space, marked by a moss-like wall installation by Joana Astolfi and iconic Potence lamps by Jean Prouvé. A surround of wooden storage echoes the apothecary layout above while also serving to conceal the archive of artistry, and business know-how that has ushered Claus Porto into a new century of beautifully designed success.