25 YEARS OF ENES: ANTWERP FASHION STORE OPENS NEW LOCATION DESIGNED BY MERIJN DEGRAEVE
Antwerp fashion landmark ENES celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with the opening of a new store on Steenhouwersvest. Interior architect Merijn Degraeve, celebrated for his fashion-driven designs and bold material pairings, has reimagined the space as modern, timeless and luxurious.
Specialized in high-end residential and commercial projects, Degraeve takes inspiration from fashion to shape interiors defined by strong materiality and striking contrasts. For ENES, he was asked to create a store that would be functional yet inspiring, practical yet forward-looking.
The result is a space that captures the essence of ENES: style, refinement and a sense of progression. The store, which attracts a broad audience of fashion-conscious customers, is carefully divided into three distinct zones, each with its own atmosphere and experience. The effect is a harmonious balance of high-end materials and subtle luxury.
“The store needed a fresh, inviting look that at the same time reflects the rich history of ENES. It was important to me to optimize the space both practically and aesthetically, so customers feel comfortable and inspired,” says Merijn Degraeve. “We applied a mix of materials that feels contemporary: burl wood, high-gloss finishes, glass bricks and velvet fabrics, all with the aim of radiating timeless luxury.”
Degraeve has achieved a refined, contemporary aesthetic with elements that feel both warm and stylish. The three zones each express a different facet of this vision. Visitors enter through a caramel-colored foyer that recalls the warmth of a townhouse, then move into a gallery-inspired central space where products are displayed in a dynamic way. Sculptural 3D wall coverings by Orac bring the space further to life in combination with the seamless cast floors crafted by Liquidfloors. An oval passage leads to the rear, where fitting rooms are wrapped in deep red custom wallcoverings designed by Tissage Mahieu, creating a mood of intimacy and exclusivity.
Throughout, modern materials are used to create a refined yet calming atmosphere. Glass bricks refract the light, giving the space a quality that is both open and enclosed, while lending it a contemporary edge. A custom wooden display sets the stage for jewelry, with lacquered wood playing against the geometric clarity of the glass bricks, a dialogue of textures that defines the store’s character.
Photo credit @cafeine
