 SAN DIEGO, CA – (March 25, 2011) Graham Downes
Architecture, the highly respected Southern Californian design firm,
announces
completion of a flagship retail store for Molly Brown’s Swimwear at the
newly
opened mega project, The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas.
The space is located on the second level above the casino’s main entrance directly off the Strip. The 1,300 SF store is the second yet first custom-designed location for the Newport Beach based retailer. Owned by Greg and Donna Allen, Molly Brown's is the world's foremost purveyor of high-end designer swim and resort wear. The design of the storefront is based on mathematically equally divisible proportions. The simplicity of the minimalist glass façade transcends to the interior through four shifting planes in the ceiling and, seemingly, the floor. The back of the space is most uniquely open, and looks down to the canted glass over the casino's main entry below. There are three private dressing rooms and a communal dressing area designed for viewing and open to the strip below unless sheer white drapery is drawn. In quintessential Vegas style, it provides a sense of glamorous voyeurism. By night, the space is bedazzled by the lights outside from the Las Vegas Strip. Inside the Cosmopolitan the now famous Chandelier Bar, with its giant draped signature feature of two million Swarovski crystals, is right across the landing. A color pallet of matte and gloss white-on-white and light grays is accented by strategic mirror details and crystal-laden lighting. Carrera marble counters and brushed stainless steel accents contrast with Venetian plaster wall panels, stone flooring and walnut display fixtures. Everything is kept sparse and clean for all focus to be on the designer swimwear. Graham Downes was principal designer and Maria Carrillo project designer and manager for the firm. KLH Engineers providing mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering and The Penta Building Group was the general contractor. Recent design commissions for Graham Downes Architecture include the Padre Hotel in Bakersfield, interior design of the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, Love Culture stores nationwide, and the remake of the iconic Bali Hai Restaurant at San Diego’s harbor. The creative agency was founded by international architect, Graham Downes, in 1994 and is known for providing innovative solutions for retail, hospitality, entertainment and mixed-use projects. The firm’s recent focus and design acclaim has been for boutique hotels, adaptive re-use structures and urban infill housing projects. Headquarters are in San Diego with offices in Phoenix and Las Vegas. For more information, please go to www.grahamdownesarchitecture.com and www.mollybrownsswimwear.com. |