In the vibrant streets of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, a unique fashion boutique has emerged, blending historical charm with contemporary design. Colima 162, named after its street address, is a 210-square-meter luxury concept store that showcases an intriguing use of recycled copper as an accent material. The project, led by local architect Laura Vela Lasagabaster and designer Manu Bañó, transforms a historic residence built in 1919 into a captivating retail space.
What makes this boutique stand out is its thoughtful integration of the building's original features. Lasagabaster and Bañó have added a minimalist layer to the existing architecture, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The duo describes their design approach as "a purist interior design grounded in minimal intervention."
As you enter Colima 162, a clear concept unfolds. A series of interconnected rooms, linked by open doorways, guide customers through a carefully curated sequence of spaces. Each room features a custom-crafted, hand-hammered recycled copper piece, created by expert artisans in Santa Clara del Cobre. These copper elements are not mere decorations but rather sculptural objects that serve functional purposes.
The first encounter for shoppers is a large circular basin with a reflective top, accompanied by four vertical panels with protruding rods. In an adjacent space, thin copper poles support garments and shoes, creating a unique display. Elsewhere, a concave mirror-polished stand and floating shelves add to the boutique's aesthetic appeal. The varying finishes of hammered, brushed, and mirror-polished copper create a dynamic play of light and texture throughout the store.
The russet-toned copper stands in contrast to the beige lime-plaster walls and a bamboo silk and wool rug, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. One room even features tall mirrored panels, enhancing the sense of space and adding a touch of glamour.
"Through a purist approach, the intervention takes on a sculptural presence that challenges the conventional language of retail," the designers explain. Indeed, their use of copper as a dominant and unifying element is a bold statement. It showcases the material's versatility and beauty, elevating the entire shopping experience.
This project is not an isolated example. Bañó, who frequently collaborates with fellow Mexican designers, has been involved in other notable ventures, such as converting a dance hall into a furniture showroom and creating a homeware collection featuring hand-carved marble and volcanic stone. Mexico City's boutique scene is thriving, with other recent projects like Calila Studio's "intentionally simple" eyewear store and MYT+GLVDK's concept space with a double-conical staircase.
In my opinion, Colima 162 is a testament to the power of thoughtful design. By respecting the historical context and adding a contemporary twist, Lasagabaster and Bañó have created a boutique that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally innovative. The use of recycled copper as an accent material is a sustainable and artistic choice, adding depth and character to the space. This project showcases the potential for retail spaces to be more than just places to shop, but rather immersive experiences that engage and inspire.
