London-based multi-brand luxury retailer Machine-A is set to open its first permanent international store in Shanghai this September.

Located in the heart of Jing’an District, the 245spm flagship will host Raf Simons’s first direct-to-consumer location in the country. Glenn Sestig Architects and Pejing Lu are behind the store’s interior design. 

Stavros Karelis, founder and buying director of Machine-A, said the international expansion is a “natural step” for the brand. 

“I know that a concept store is not unique anymore, especially in Shanghai, where multi-brand stores are booming,” he said. “But based on our experience in London, I think we can still offer something that is going to be different from what exists there.”

Founded in 2013 by Karelis, Machine-A gains popularity among young audiences for its fashion approach to merchandising selection and genderless style. The retail showcases new design talents’ work alongside luxury brands such as Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, Rick Owens and Comme Des Garçons.