MAC Cosmetics has taken a bold leap in its retail experience with a new flagship store in Nanjing, China, located in the high-end Deji Plaza shopping mall. This innovative space cleverly incorporates a deconstructed piano, bridging the worlds of music, beauty, and modern art. MAC’s mission with this unique design is to highlight the brand’s commitment to artistry, presenting cosmetics in an engaging manner that encourages customer interaction and exploration.
The flagship store occupies approximately 1,200 square feet and features a piano that creatively acts as both a display and functional art piece. Signature products, like lipsticks, serve as the piano keys, with each lipstick’s hue representing sharps and flats. Eyeshadow palettes are styled to resemble tuning knobs, while the ceiling design mimics the expansive interior of a string instrument. This artistic integration turns the space into a stunning visual and tactile experience for shoppers.
In addition to its striking design, the store offers a range of interactive features, including an augmented reality (AR) virtual try-on section and a makeup studio that hosts artist-led demos and events. There’s even a dedicated area for customization, allowing customers to personalize their beauty experience. According to Aïda Moudachirou-Rébois, MAC’s senior vice president and global general manager, this new design celebration reflects the vibrancy and sophistication of the Chinese beauty community, known for its creativity and expressiveness.
Isabelle Gao, general manager of MAC in China, emphasized that the dramatic interiors work in harmony with the extensive product range to stimulate the senses. She described the store as a “musical spaceship,” symbolizing MAC’s belief that beauty should flow freely, akin to music. This philosophy is seamlessly woven into the design, encouraging customers to discover beauty through a multi-sensory approach.
The design was brought to life by Li Xiang of X+Living, a renowned architecture firm famous for its dreamlike interiors. Li articulated that stripping the piano of its outer shell revealed a structure filled with rhythm and soul, mirroring MAC’s essence. By using musical elements, the design conveys the emotional resonance of makeup, suggesting that products like lipstick can be vital chords in one’s life, adding rhythm to the everyday.
Li’s visionary work draws parallels between music and makeup, creating a captivating environment where the two arts converge. For instance, pressing the lipstick “keys” not only showcases the products but triggers soundscapes, transforming the shopping experience into an interactive adventure. MAC’s presence in China has grown since it entered the market in 2005, evolving into a brand that employs around 500 makeup artists across over 30 stores. This new flagship site not only reinforces MAC’s innovative spirit but also resonates with its mission to empower individuals through beauty and artistry.