Mykonos is one of Greece's most famous islands; idyllic, relaxed, special and very lucky because on it stands a boutique as clean and stylish as its surroundings. The LINEA PIU Boutique designed by Kois Associated Architects carries some of the highest end women’s wear brands in the luxury retail market: CHANEL, TOM FORD, John Galliano and Blumarine. Located in the heart of the Kolonaki district in Athens, Greece, it has recently opened a new retail store in the heart of Chora, Mykonos, amongst pretty churches and idyllic windmills and sits in a traditional building where the mix of modern simple design, tradition and the allusion of light and space in its design make it quite remarkable.
Designed to preserve the building's features but also in line with the brands’ modern and clean aesthetic, thick stone walls keep the space cool whilst the white paint on the walls and abundance of floor to ceiling mirrors allow the diffused mellow light from the shutters to bounce around the space. This ensures that the space feels airy, atmospheric and larger than its actual proportions. The use of texture, from smooth steel to more rugged stone, wood and iron work, adds interest and depth whilst not detracting from the items on sale which are truly showcased against the pure white walls, in archives and on striking iron shelves and cabinets. The fittings add to the flow of the space and sense of clean symmetry. They have been so effectively fitted that they add to the overall sense of quality you have come to expect from LINEA PIU. Like a gallery, the shelves are sculptural and striking - impressive pieces in themselves.. At LINEA PIU, the stunning clothes and jewellery are fore fronted in a design that mimics the contemporary luxe clothing on display.
The items in this clean space are sympathetic to the area’s personality and history. Many features are reminiscent of areas and the history of the island on which this boutique stands. The bold metal and glass lamps reference the lighthouse and the ocean that surround this most special of islands. Stripped wide wooden floorboards - like those found on an old ship, traditional alcoves - arched like those found in Mykonos' churches and traditional marble sinks enable this boutique to become a living breathing part of the island that it personifies and reflects. The design cleverly diffuses the relaxed and romantic spirit of the island with high fashion fundamentals in order to create a very special new personality indeed.
Outside the focus on symmetry continues where the walls surround a front courtyard and the doors and windows pull you into the internal space. The walls, dotted with candles in structural square holders, make the otherwise simple exterior design very welcoming. The outside seats - in luxurious simple black with white piping - offer an extra level of elegance and add to the relaxed feeling that draws you into the boutique. The sign is small and subtle, like a simple house name, adding to the air of exclusivity and the feeling that you've stumbled upon somewhere very special and unique. A tree is painted white like a Zander Olsen work of art; another reminder that is this boutique's design encourages nature and history to meet art and modernity.
LINEA PIU feels fresh and exciting, but also at home on the island. This is thanks to its careful high quality design. The attention to detail is truly awe inspiring. This is a destination boutique and what a destination it is to behold!