In a first for the Alpine republic, Celine is opening its debut store in Austria. With a new opening on the prestigious Kohlmarkt in the heart of Vienna, the French luxury house, which recently drew attention with Michael Rider’s debut, also aims to underscore the importance of the German-speaking markets. Celine opened its first standalone store in Germany, in Munich, in 2017.

The 150-square-metre luxury boutique in Vienna spans three storeys. It showcases the latest womenswear and menswear collections, beauty, fragrances, and Maison pieces. From the outside, the flagship impresses with a listed façade of sculpted marble, paired with large, dark-framed, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Inside, natural stone prevails, with materials such as Grand Antique marble combined with travertine. Basaltina flooring laid throughout features a French-inspired chevron pattern. The sense of luxury is heightened by ultra-clear mirrors- some finished in antique gold- neon lighting, and polished metal.

On the ground floor, womenswear is presented, beginning with accessories, leather goods, beauty products, and fragrances. This is followed by the ready-to-wear area.

A staircase with cantilevered steps, inspired by minimalism, leads to the first floor, where the menswear collections are presented. The scheme here is darker overall, with black-lacquered walls and a selection of timbers that contrast with the lighter woods in the other areas.

An intimate salon on the second floor, accessible exclusively via a private lift, expands the store and includes an enlarged fitting room.

Throughout the store and its numerous lounge areas, the furnishings comprise a selection of vintage and contemporary pieces. As part of the ongoing Celine Art Project, a curated selection of artworks is on display with a stoneware composition by Anders Hald, a painting by Jasmine Gregory, and sculptures by Rosalind Tallmadge and Marcelo Silveira.