GLAMOROUS is a choice word to describe the grand opening of Audemars Piguet boutique in The Starhill Kuala Lumpur.
It is a bold flashing sign (not literally, of course) no one can deny with the long list of celebrity guests sauntering past the the velvet rope towards the by-invitation-only area.
Along with the slew of Malaysian celebs are two famous Thais – Tawan Vihokratana and Pond Naravit (whose real name is Naravit Lertratkosum).
They have all come to celebrate with the Swiss haute horlogerie manufacture.
And to mark the occasion, a special installation highlighting the Maison’s legacy was displayed at the posh mall’s square for two weeks in the latter half of July.
The new 425sqm duplex space is a continuation of Audemars Piguet’s international rollout of its global boutique concept.
Conceived by Vincenzo De Cotiis Architects in collaboration with Audemars Piguet’s in-house architects, the new boutique concept pays tribute to the manufacture’s home in the Vallée de Joux where nature and time shaped the brand’s identity.
According to the company, the design draws inspiration from the natural landscape of the rugged Swiss Jura valley and translates it into a contemporary setting, where craftsmanship and the passage of time are reflected in the architectural features.
“The interplay of materials echoes the region’s forests, water, ice and rock.
“Liquid metal, opaque stone, frosted glass, wooden parquet and wainscoting panels come together to create contrasts and textures, establishing an elegant and warm atmosphere.
“LED screen animations, bringing the manufacture’s landscape, expertise and cultural universe to life, extend from the façade to the interior design – adding visual dynamism and lighting effects.”
These architectural and digital elements frame the boutique’s layout.
Inside, a central path delineated by parquet flooring and liquid metal ceiling guides visitors through a conceptual exploration of the brand’s origins.
A lounge area offers light-coloured plush seating and textured glass partitions that evoke cascading water.
The nod to the Vallée de Joux and its watchmaking heritage continues with an artistic reinterpretation of the region’s topography and a horological sculpture composed of hundreds of enlarged watch components hanging from the ceiling.
At the centre of the boutique, contemporary sculptural metallic tree trunks with angular forms connect floor to ceiling.
Each support a crystal case where exhibited timepieces appear to float in mid-air – inviting close-up appreciation of their artistry.
A Black Cosmic display provides a rocky backdrop to these towering trees.
The stone’s silver and golden veining, which depicts the natural markings of time, gives depth and contrast to the space.
All these are only on the ground floor.
A private lounge sits on the upper level to provide an even more exclusive setting for dedicated presentations.
The Maison says sustainability is one of the key principles of the new boutique concept, reflecting its commitment to integrating responsible practices into all areas of operation, from production methods to resource and infrastructure management.
As such, materials have been responsibly sourced for durability and minimal ecological footprint.
Lighting and climate systems are engineered for optimal energy efficiency.
The Kuala Lumpur boutique is the third to open under Audemars Piguet’s new concept, after the stores in Chengdu (China) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
Next openings are in Bangkok, Hangzhou (China), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Bal Harbour (Miami, US) and Mumbai (India).
“Located in Kuala Lumpur’s premier shopping district, our new boutique reinforces Audemars Piguet’s commitment to engaging with watch enthusiasts at the heart of the city’s luxury landscape, while strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia,” says Audemars Piguet Southeast Asia CEO Stefanie Ng at the grand launch.
“The space immerses visitors in a timeless design capturing the essence of the brand, from its roots, heritage and craftsmanship to its avant-garde spirit and ecological approach,” she adds.
Gracing the opening is Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim. Also present is Audemars Piguet chief commercial officer Luis Miguel Gonzalez Sebastiani.
