Valextra space at Harrods in London

Valextra’s art of saddlery, attention to detail and passion for working with leather is very evident in the product and the space celebrates this quality. The Valextra area is adjacent to a circulation route so the challenge was to create an environment that would encourage people to slow down and indulge themselves before moving to the next level. The project explores the use of glass reinforced concrete for the form and texture of the partitions. The effect is immediately arresting and immersive – it contrasts with much of the surrounding materiality of Harrods and presents a dramatic contemporary moment. While the crinkle cut concrete is a powerful statement, it is also refined and delicate – the structure is less than an inch thick. The freestanding bespoke pockets and cut-outs for the wallets and bags – frame and celebrate the products – almost like precious artefacts.