The career trajectory of JJ Acuña reads like a global odyssey—one that stretches from a quiet Texas suburb to the skylines of Hong Kong and, most recently, Manila. Across each locale, he honed an approach he calls “spatial DNA”. It’s a bespoke methodology that weaves client aspirations, cultural context, and intuitive materiality into environments that […]
UNIVERS NUSTAR Shines at OPAL Awards
UNIVERS NUSTAR claimed the prestigious platinum award for Interior Design for Retail Spaces at the London-based OPAL Awards. The accolade, announced on November 28, 2024, celebrates the Cebu store’s innovative design, praised by judges for its seamless blend of luxury fashion and local craftsmanship. This recognition highlights the store’s ability to merge contemporary elegance with traditional Filipino artistry.
The OPAL Awards, a global platform honoring excellence in interior design, architecture, and property development, featured a distinguished panel of judges, including leading architects and designers like Dara Huang of Design Haus Liberty and Erik Behrens of AECOM. Their evaluation underscored UNIVERS NUSTAR’s contribution to redefining retail spaces through design innovation.
A Masterpiece of Design and Craftsmanship
The 283-square-meter UNIVERS NUSTAR boutique owes its distinctive aesthetic to renowned architect Ed Calma of Lor Calma and Partners. The highlight of the store is an undulating rattan installation, conceptualized and crafted by celebrated Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue. This intricate woven structure flows seamlessly across walls and ceilings, providing an organic counterpoint to the sleek concrete floors and black metal racks. The design juxtaposes brutalist modernity with the warmth of natural materials, creating a space that is as inviting as it is striking.
Designed in collaboration with the London-based Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands (LDS), the space incorporates dramatic elements like large-scale reflective surfaces and geometric forms. These features encourage exploration, transforming the retail environment into an immersive, tactile experience that invites deeper engagement with both the space and the brands it houses.
A Curated Fusion of Global Luxury and Local Heritage
UNIVERS NUSTAR elevates retail with its curated selection of high-end brands and artisanal goods. The boutique features globally recognized names such as Alexander Wang, Thom Browne, and Off-White, alongside premium market items like Astier de Villatte candles and Trudon colognes. Beyond its luxury offerings, the store champions Philippine heritage through its use of locally sourced materials and craftsmanship, fostering a sense of cultural pride within a global context.
As UNIVERS’ first store in Cebu and fourth nationwide, the NUSTAR branch solidifies the brand’s reputation for reimagining retail environments. It reflects a broader trend in physical stores moving beyond transactional spaces to offering irreplaceable, experiential shopping moments. With its integration of Cebuano artistry and international luxury aesthetics, the store positions itself as a landmark that represents Cebu’s emergence as a hub for world-class design and fashion.
A Global Stage for Filipino Design
The recognition at the OPAL Awards highlights not just UNIVERS’ achievements but also the Philippines’ potential as a global player in innovative design. By blending local craftsmanship with cutting-edge architecture, UNIVERS NUSTAR serves as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design can bridge culture and commerce. It sets a new benchmark for retail spaces, demonstrating the power of design to captivate and connect.
Learn more about what UNIVERS has to offer on their website.
Read more: UNIVERS NUSTAR’ Is a Bold New Take on Retail Design
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