For the debut of NAUTICA BLACK LABEL flagship, SLT Design distills the essence of yachting into a modular, architectural system that transcends surface-level maritime motifs. Rather than relying on overt nautical iconography, the design team translates the structural logic of a yacht, its sails, rigging, decks, and cleats, into an immersive, contemporary retail environment. The result is a replicable spatial language that embodies the brand’s core values: freedom, adventure, and a connection to nature.
Conceptual Framework: From Nautical Prototype to Modular Strategy
Tasked with articulating a spatial identity for NAUTICA BLACK LABEL’s functional yet sophisticated collection, SLT Design anchors the concept in “The Dream of Great Voyages.” The yacht serves as both inspiration and prototype, abstracted into a rigorous system of forms and materials that balance brand recognition with operational efficiency.
Material Narratives: Architectural Abstractions of the Yacht
The retail journey unfolds through a “Departure–Racing–Return” sequence, each phase articulated through material contrasts and nuanced spatial cues. At the entrance, black lava panels evoke the rugged textures of wave-sculpted rock, while rippled stainless steel reflects the shifting surface of the night sea. These elements set a tone of quiet dynamism, guiding visitors inward.
FASHION RETAIL INTERIORS
Within the core display zone, dual units gather beneath a sweeping “main sail”, a soft-ceiling film that translates the sail’s kinetic energy into architecture. Tensioned cable systems, derived from sailboat pulleys and rigging, suspend displays and create a sense of movement. Light wood floors recall the tactile warmth of a yacht’s deck, while fitting room hooks, inspired by cleats, complete the spatial narrative. The rear lounge transitions into a “yacht club” setting, with a culture wall and VIP display that move the experience from public to private.
Systematic Modularity: Scalable, Sustainable Retail
SLT Design’s approach is defined by three scalable display systems, each engineered for rapid deployment and minimal on-site customization:
- Window & Wall Display System: Rippled steel, black lava, and cable structures form a striking threshold.
- Transparent Island Display System: Lightweight frameworks organize circulation and centralize product presentation.
- Flexible Slim Display Racks: Adaptable modules fit diverse layouts, supporting independent or combined configurations.
The suspended cable system, echoing the mechanics of sailboat rigging, is both a visual and structural anchor. Wall-mounted displays reinterpret handrails and swim ladders, reinforcing the nautical theme through abstraction. This modularity not only ensures structural stability and display versatility but also dramatically reduces installation complexity.
Atmospheric Immersion: Light, Reflection, and Movement
The VIP area is framed by dynamic LED screens projecting rolling waves, while mirrored walls expand the sense of space, evoking the horizon’s endlessness. Throughout the boutique, fixtures, display tables, shelves, checkout counter, – feature angled silhouettes reminiscent of racing sails, orchestrating a sense of perpetual motion.
Each detail, from cleat-inspired hooks in the fitting room to the interplay of reflective and tactile surfaces, reinforces the narrative of a journey. SLT Design’s spatial choreography invites visitors to “Master the extraordinary, navigate your journey” – a philosophy embedded in every modular element.
Project Name: NAUTICA Black Label Boutique
Designed by SLT Design
Website: i-slt.com
Completion Date: March 2025
Design Team: Chen Ling, Shanshan Jiang, Yifei Ouyang, Haomin Gu, Wenbei Huang
Location: F2 Ou Ya Commercial Capital, Chaoyang District, Changchun, Jilin, China
Area: 121㎡
Photography: Vincent Wu
Client: NAUTICA
