qm and features geometric shapes and an array of interactive elements that reflect the brand’s forward-thinking ethos. The store’s opening coincides with the introduction of the brand’s latest product, the Denim Dumpling Bag, indicating the brand’s continuous growth and worldwide development. Sotheby’s – Landmark Chater, Hong Kong Sotheby’s first retail location in Hong Kong is nestled in the heart of the city’s luxury district. The two-storey space, housed within Landmark Chater, spans 2200sqm and showcases hundreds of objects. Sotheby’s Place dedicates one floor to retail space, while reserving the second storey for exhibitions. Designed in collaboration with Netherlands-based architecture firm MVRDV, the site aims to push the boundaries of traditional immersive spaces, aligning with US-based Sotheby’s vision. Beyond the paintings and artworks typically associated with auction houses, this location offers an eclectic mix of items, including books, furniture, Nike x Louis Vuitton crossover sneakers, and even dinosaur fossils. A Bathing Ape – Harajuku, Japan Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Harajuku, A Bathing Ape’s concept store, dubbed ‘Bape Think’, spans three storeys and features a minimalist interior design incorporating wood, iron, and original camouflage patterns. Bape Think showcases the latest Mr Bathing Ape fall/winter 2024 collection, which blends classic styles with contemporary streetwear aesthetics. The collection is divided into three themes: Vintage Sports, Urban Uniform, and All-time Outdoor. Bathing Ape is based in Japan. Starbucks – Seoul, South Korea US-based coffee giant Starbucks has established Jangchung Lounge R, its first Reserve-only location in South Korea, in celebration of the country’s 10-year anniversary of Starbucks Reserve coffee. The new store, located in Jung-gu, Seoul, has three levels with a total capacity of 180 seats. It is housed in a 1960s-style building and intends to provide customers with a nostalgic experience. Starbucks stated that the old structure, including its doorbells, closets and staircases, was kept in order to maintain its structural integrity. At the arrival, there is an augmented reality mural portraying the brand’s journey, from coffee bean farming and harvesting to roasting and, finally, a freshly made cup of coffee. Each floor features seven spaces, each with a different theme. There is a lounge, a music room, an outside garden and a Mixology bar that serves a variety of coffee drinks. Gentle Monster – Shenzhen, China South Korea’s Gentle Monster opened its third Haus Nowhere location in Shenzhen, China, following successful launches in Seoul and Shanghai. The retail space spans 6914sqm across three levels, featuring kiosks for its eyewear brand Gentle Monster and perfume line Tamburins, along with other curated shops and brands. Inspired by the “Insect Kingdom” a fictional tale of a 10,000-year interaction between colossal humans, beasts and insectoids, the store aims to evoke distinctive emotions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tale’s narrative, becoming part of the story. Throughout the store, sophisticated objects inspired by various insects are artfully arranged, giving the sense of being invited into an otherworldly ecosystem. This is part of Gentle Monster’s new worldview, offering a distinctive experience that transcends conventional boundaries. “Haus Nowhere Shenzhen is more than just a shopping destination,” the company stated. “It’s a vast universe with its own narrative.” Loewe – Landmark Plaza, Hong Kong Luxury Spanish fashion brand Loewe has opened its first men’s clothing store in Hong Kong, featuring a combination of fashion, art, aesthetics and design. The new men’s clothing store in Hong Kong, located in Landmark Plaza, borrows from the concept of Casa Loewe by using sky blue and dark honey-coloured ceramic tiles to create a basic, yet pleasant, contrast. The new store’s display stands are made of concrete, ceramics and glass, while the furniture is made of leather and fabric. In the heart of the store, there is an oversized Squeeze Bag from the 2024 fall and winter men’s collection. The men’s apparel line is a collaboration between the brand’s creative director, Jonathan Anderson, and American artist Richard Hawkins. Curvistan x Porsche – Bangkok, Thailand Curvistan Bangkok, a gathering point for Porsche lovers in Thailand, has opened, with a range of experiences related to the Porsche universe. The location, located at Sukhumvit 38, near the BTS Thonglor Skytrain station, serves not only as a bar or café, but also as an art gallery and a gathering place that honours automotive culture, art and design. Curvistan is a collaboration between Stefan Bogner, Curves magazine’s creator and creative director, and Chanond Ruangkritya, an entrepreneur and Porsche lover. The gallery features curated collections from German automaker Porsche, which will rotate every two to three months. A network of local lifestyle and design partners organised the space with the goal of providing a place for friends to connect, discuss cars, and be inspired by art exhibitions and design works.  Bogner stated that the next Curvistan position could be in Iceland. This story first appeared in the November 2024 issue of Inside Retail Asia magazine.