Neil Barrett shop-in-shop at Harvey Nichols London, designed by Zaha Hadid

Neil Barrett shop-in-shop at Harvey Nichols London / Harvey Nichols

Neil Barrett recently opened a new conceptual shop-in-shop at Harvey Nichols London. Designed by world renowned architect Zaha Hadid, this opening marks the UK debut of Barrett and Hadid's continued partnership. Situated on the lower ground floor, the space features the distinctive sculptural aesthetics derived from Zaha Hadid’s original design concept, uniting each of Neil Barrett’s shops around world. The structure displays a unique relationship between fluid and Cartesian, solid and void, sharp and soft materiality; paralleling Barrett’s ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

Neil Barrett shop-in-shop at Harvey Nichols London / Harvey Nichols

Above: Neil Barrett shop-in-shop at Harvey Nichols London.


Neil Barrett Tokyo flagship / Trendland


Neil Barrett Tokyo flagship / Zaha Hadid Architects

I have long admired the Zaha Hadid designed Neil Barrett store in Tokyo. The futuristic store design has been the subjects of many architectural publications and discussions. Their designs are so fluid, bold and distinctive, a design DNA if you like. Even for a layman like me, it is not difficult to identify a Zaha Hadid design. I often wondered when Neil Barrett will bring the Zaha Hadid store concept to the UK, considering he is British to begin with.

Neil Barrett Hong Kong / Retail Design Blog

Then came the Neil Barrett flagship in Hong Kong, also employing the same fluidity and structure which was synonymous with the Tokyo store. The shop in shop at Harvey Nichols London is on a smaller scale, but definitely worth a look see. Especially if like me, you like Neil Barrett clothes (check), and like to look longingly at beautifully designed fixtures and fittings (check).

Aqua Table for Established and Sons / Zaha Hadid

In fact, I am so keen on Zaha Hadid's designs, I went to the Established and Sons showroom to check out the stunning Aqua table, thinking it will be the perfect piece for my living room. I do really silly things like that at times. That table costs more than the deposit for my flat, who am I kidding!? But I did end up ordering another table from Established and Sons, which did not materialised (you might have read it before, I won't bore you with details).

All is not lost though. The Zaha Hadid designed London Aquatics Centre, built for the 2012 London Olympics, is now open to the public. Can't afford the table (yet), I'm sure a swim would be just as exhilarating. Or better still, go check out the Zaha Hadid installation at the Neil Barrett shop in shop at Harvey Nichols London, no entrance fee required.

Not in London? Why not shop these beautiful Neil Barrett pieces online from HarveyNichols.com?

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