following the openings of its milan and paris boutiques, italian clothing brand forte_forte has now expanded to the london market with its latest store at 108 draycott avenue, in chelsea. conceived by co-founder giada forte and robert vattilana, the brand?s creative director, the boutique comprises a succession of tactile and visual sensations within its long and narrow space, that leads from the street to an open courtyard in which the protagonist is a broadly shaped japanese maple tree. a palette of refined materials including brick, yellow onyx, brass and velvet compose the entire space, adding to the entirety of the brand?s fable while celebrating the singular uniqueness of the particular place.all images courtesy of forte_forte
 
  drawing from the materiality of london?s clay buildings, the forte_forte boutique in chelsea is characterized by classic brick on the walls, arranged in a pattern of delicate overhangs and recesses that creates a pixelated texture and a play of shadows, passing seamlessly from the outside to the inside. this material expanse is occasionally punctuated by inserts of gold leaf or turquoise craquelè ceramic that give a surprising touch to the visual and chromatic melody. the floors of the entire space are covered in terracota, while furnishing elements take center stage in various delicate materials. the cash desk, as well as plant pots and seating elements are made in ceppo lombardo, a stone with a composite and strongly tactile, opaque h...