Oxford Street Shop, Paddington

For my Oxford Street shop design, I wanted to create a store that reflects the diversity and uniqueness of Paddington. While the area is high-end, it is also a melting pot of creatives, students, and fashion-forward individuals. My client, Vans, is a skate brand with a diverse clientele spanning all ages, so I aimed to merge their skateboarding heritage with the area’s sophisticated yet eclectic vibe.

Skating has always been countercultural, much like art forms that were once anti-establishment, such as graffiti or even ancient Greek statues. Inspired by this, I used high-end materials like marble and terrazzo to create a juxtaposition between luxury and Vans’ rebellious roots. A skate bowl integrated into the ceiling and floor, crafted from marble and terrazzo, ties back to Vans’ history while making a bold statement.

The design features a traditional checkerboard floor in luxurious finishes, marble sculptures of skaters, and gold accents on shoe displays. By using these elements, I reimagined opulence through a countercultural lens, creating a space that is striking, immersive, and reflective of Vans’ legacy. The layout is intentionally simple to let the intricate details and materiality take centre stage.