by George Epaminondas
Maxfield, the globally renowned concept store in West Hollywood, is known as a repository of high-end fashion brands, including Rick Owens, Balmain and Celine. To that list of boldfaced names we must now add Jean Prouvé. That’s because Standard recently completed the installation of one of the French architect’s notable “Structure Nomades” next to the retailer. The rear of the parking lot was landscaped with a new Ipe (Brazilian walnut) deck, a 17-ft Ipe fence and a concrete paved courtyard to frame the luminous structure. The only embellishment to the courtyard is a mature olive tree, which magically offsets the enticing red building.
Prouvé intended the 1950s structure to be a mobile museum, and Maxfield owner Tommy Perse shares this thinking. Perse has always displayed a curatorial approach to retail, and his stores tend to resemble breathtaking galleries more than typical retail ventures. Across the road from Maxfield is Perse’s 20th century furniture emporium, with rarefied pieces from Adnet to Thonet. That space, designed by Standard as well, also boasts a pinch of Prouvé, a sliding aluminum wall panel with a circular design.
