Robinsons, Dubai

Iconic Singapore department store Robinsons has expanded its glossy footprint into Dubai’s massive Festival City Mall. Some 600 local, regional and international brands fill out the first three floors of the store’s 200,000 sqft footprint, with the top floor given over to an exclusive collaboration with British retailer John Lewis.

HMKM has created a futuristic landscape concept for this luxury department store.

UK firm HMKM has appointed the space with a sweeping Singapore-inspired aesthetic, with pops of equatorial green and forward-thinking architecture lending a lush, futuristic feel. Dramatic ribbons of bronze and sculpted pale wood, vertical gardens by botanic designer Patrick Planc, and soaring overhead canopies all wrap around a welcoming central pavilion that encourages further exploration. Destination restaurants form a sunlit perimeter with creek frontage views.

The store is zoned into distinct spaces, with an urban zone featuring a DJ booth and gritty industrial materials, and a beauty section strikingly framed with metallic finishes and gleaming marbles. A swimwear area features water-like ombré feature walls, and an eveningwear department dials up the glamour with gold, bronze and champagne tones. A children’s space features play zones and a cheerful “village” vibe. Tailored VIP lounges and carefully selected luxury furnishings underscore the store’s service-oriented approach.

Impeccably outfitted – there are some 272 finishes on display – the new Robinsons is putting its best foot forward in every way.