Unveiling Rare Collective Manila: Where Luxury Meets Privacy in a Boudoir Setting
Nestled discreetly within the bustling urban landscape, Rare Collective Manila emerges as a unique sanctuary for aficionados of rare luxury items. Owned by the discerning Dennis Robles and brought to life by the visionary Jagnus Design Studio, this exclusive store redefines the concept of high-end retail through its carefully curated collection of rare bags, watches, and apparel.
A Boudoir Reimagined
According to Jagnus, the genesis of Rare Collective Manila’s design was a visit to the owner’s home, where the business initially took root. Drawing inspiration from the intimate atmosphere of a boudoir – a secluded space for personal retreat or private gatherings – the design permeates the lines, materials, tones, and layout of the store. This thoughtful approach creates a harmonious blend of exclusivity and elegance.
Where Privacy Takes Center Stage
Unlike conventional stores that beckon with open arms, Rare Collective Manila embraces a more introverted approach, requiring a heightened level of privacy. The bi-level space spans 94 sqm, featuring an ante chamber on the lower floor, guiding guests through a vaulted archway to the 70 sqm main retail space above. The design team explains that this deliberate layout ensures a gradual and immersive transition into the rarefied world of luxury items.
Monochromatic Sophistication
A monochromatic palette of tinted plaster envelopes both the interior and exterior, visually expanding the space and creating a sense of continuity across split-level floors. A rust finish accentuates the vaulted archway, symbolizing transition and underscoring the unique nature of the collection. This choice of materials provides a neutral backdrop, allowing the rare items to shine while fostering a serene ambiance in contrast to the outside world.
Streamlining the Luxury Experience
Rare Collective Manila’s layout strategically classifies product display areas into three zones: general items, seasonal offerings, and a special display area. Modular shelving systems showcase general items, while valuable pieces find their place on fixed shelving and glass-enclosed casements. The flexibility of a movable center island display caters to events and product launches, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Crafting an Experiential Haven
Dennis Robles, the owner, draws inspiration from Japanese shopping havens, infusing the store with a contemporary and minimalist aesthetic. The neutral palette, sandy tones, and curved lines act as an earthy backdrop, allowing the merchandise to take center stage. Jagnus, attuned to Robles’s vision, executes a dream space designed for a 360-degree luxury experience, from music to textures.
Jagnus Design Studio Founders Architects Sonny Sunga and Arnold Austria
“The entrance is a stunner,” remarks Robles. A dramatic cove leading up the staircase creates an anticipatory journey, akin to entering an exciting new realm.
Curating Luxury with Purpose: A Sustainable Approach
Robles shares insights into his merchandise selection, ranging from the rarest Hermes to covetable Chanel pieces, including under-the-radar labels like Delvaux. The store’s evolving collection will soon include accessories and iconic pieces like the Chanel tweed jacket. Robles notes a shift in consumer behavior, stating, “People are more open to giving their luxury goods a second life. Circularity and sustainability are highly applicable to luxury goods because they were made to last.”
Rare Collective Manila stands not just as a store but as an embodiment of curated opulence, where each item tells a story and the ambiance invites a profound, personalized luxury experience. In this intimate boudoir setting, privacy and rarity converge to redefine the boundaries of luxury retail.
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Photography by Ed Simon
