At number 81 of Via Camerelle, in the heart of Capri, there is a store that is truly out of the ordinary, offering a unique sales experience. The project carried out by Studio RPM Project, has led to the creation of an open-air shop-laboratory, where the creativity of the initial phases of product creation merge with the sale to customers. The brand in question is called ‘Emanuela Caruso Capri’ and focuses mainly on handcrafted jewel sandals with other stores in Forte dei Marmi and Dubai.
The challenge was therefore to bring a product of undeniable quality into a summer holiday environment, adapting the need for a simple and comfortable store that would entice passers-by to enter and the aesthetics of a luxury boutique. The understanding between the client and the architect was the key to the success of the project and the realization of a store that is already becoming a fixed stop for those visiting Capri.
Emanuela Caruso says: “The architect immediately understood that I wanted a simple but attractive store, where people wouldn’t be afraid to cross the threshold and would stay. That’s why we put sofas, we created a living room atmosphere. There’s a lot of green, there are two big banana trees inside and two banana trees outside, and then there’s white, which is fundamental as a color here.”
“The wood is treated with a cementine and painted white – explains the architect. The wooden element is in the back wall, which acts as a focal point for those passing along the promenade, which is the busiest on Capri. It’s a very special wooden wall because it’s all made of bamboo canes. The peculiar thing we did, is to have brought the store under the porch: outside the shop we find a beautiful bench with very colorful cushions and next to it there is the craftsman working. People are intrigued. People stop and stand there and watch how a sandal-jewel is created. This is part of the game and an important moment. We have created a dynamic space, where the craftsman-artist creates. A movement that generates curiosity. It’s something that goes beyond the designer label, something that is born there and is alive.”
CREDITS
Project: Emanuela Caruso Capri
Architects: Studio RPM Proget
Year: 2021
