Two Hong Kong-born designers, Steve Leung, Founder of SLD, and Dennis Chan, Founder and Creative Director of Qeelin, have been the creative force behind Qeelin's aesthetic for two decades. Their latest collaboration brings a fresh energy to the prestigious shopping area.

 

Leung has played a pivotal role in designing Qeelin's first store at IFC Mall in Hong Kong, following the brand's successful debut at the Cannes Film Festival.

 

Infusing an international allure while staying true to Qeelin's Oriental roots, their initial collaboration set the stage for the brand's success and remains a cherished memory for the designers.

 

“Both Dennis and I are trained and locally grown designers from Hong Kong, drawing inspiration from Oriental culture. We also share a playful approach to design, which is evident in our creations. This creative synergy has fuelled our enduring collaboration,” says Leung.

 

Qeelin’s Ginza flagship store marks the brand’s first boutique in Japan and a significant milestone in its global development. Situated at a highly desirable intersection in Ginza, the five-story store, adorned in a pulsing red and black rectilinear façade with Qeelin's iconic logo and the Wulu silhouette, stands out among other renowned international jewellery brands.

 

 

“The project is strategically situated at the corner of Namiki and Miyuki Streets in the heart of Tokyo’s international shopping district,” explains Mai Chongchaiyo, Director of Design at Steve Leung Designers, who led the design project. “It is exciting that Qeelin took over the site and rebuilt the entire building.”

 

The exterior design, a collaborative effort over a span of three years, involved the expertise of Studio PDP and Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants to bring the vision to life. The colour palette draws inspiration from Chinese culture, employing vibrant reds symbolising luck and prosperity, along with gold, historically associated with wealth and luxury. These carefully chosen colours signify auspiciousness and fortune, creating an environment that blends Oriental touches with Qeelin's international reach and global outlook.

 

As visitors enter the Qeelin flagship store, they are immediately greeted by a floating cantilever display resembling a bamboo forest, which showcases Qeelin's exquisite jewellery pieces. “We want customers to feel a sense of surprise and uniqueness upon entering the store. Our vision extended beyond a typical jewellery store. We curated a memorable journey where visitors are captivated by innovative and playful elements, immersing them in the whimsical world of Qeelin.” says Chongchaiyo.

 

Upon entering the Qeelin Flagship Store, guests will be greeted by a designed space adorned with architectural timber screens interlaced with black mirrors inspired by contemporary Chinese courtyards. At the heart of the arrival area, a remarkable floating cantilever display evokes the imagery of a bamboo forest, inspired by the aesthetics of metalwork. The bamboo motif not only represents a connection to nature but also honours the enduring historical bond between Chinese and Japanese artisans.

 

The ground floor draws inspiration from contemporary Chinese courtyards, blending elegant timber screens with black mirrors to create an ambiance of warmth and sophistication. The space also incorporates Chinese ink mountain landscape paintings and gold-coloured carpets, paying homage to traditional Chinese Shan Shui art.

 

“We specifically integrated Qeelin’s iconic Wulu motifs, modernised ink landscapes, and bamboo,” Chongchaiyo adds.

 

The first floor mesmerises visitors with reflective mirrors and rippling glass walls, evoking the graceful flow of water. Beyond that, the designers' ingenuity shines through playful surprises such as geometrical bespoke cabinets that seem to be suspended in mid-air and an extendable revolving display counter, reminiscent of a Swiss army knife.

 

Drawing inspiration from the versatile functionality of a Swiss army knife, the Qeelin Flagship Store features an extendable revolving display counter. This design element adds a touch of delicate playfulness that perfectly aligns with the brand's blend of oriental symbolism and modernity.

 

The second floor of the Qeelin flagship store houses an exclusive VIP lounge, offering a serene and luxurious retreat. Inspired by the tranquility of a bamboo courtyard, the lounge features bamboo curtains and tinted mirrors, creating an intimate and soothing ambiance that complements the bustling city outside.

 

The VIP lounge draws inspiration from bamboo courtyards, creating a calm and intimate atmosphere with bamboo curtains and tinted mirrors.

 

The Qeelin flagship store is not only a physical manifestation of the brand's growth and success but also a celebration of Asian traditions and craftsmanship. With its fusion of Oriental heritage and contemporary aesthetics, the store invites jewellery enthusiasts and lovers of art and design on a captivating journey.

 

“We ensure our design captures the energetic, vibrant, trend-setting vibe of the district,” concludes Leung.