Ginza is architectural, Kobe is water, Fukuoka is flora and fauna

The 9-meter sculptural wall connecting the first and second floors. Mural art depicting bird motifs on the staircase connecting the floors. And the design of the aluminum columns on the facade, emitting a beautiful light.—John-Paul Phillippé, who, along with Creative Director Katsuhiko Taniguchi, was responsible for the store's design for BARNEYS NEW YORK Ginza and the store that opened last year in Kobe. He is the very heart of BARNEYS NEW YORK's design, an irreplaceable presence, handling the store's interior decoration for BARNEYS NEW YORK in the United States. We asked him about the newly opened BARNEYS NEW YORK Fukuoka store.

—What was the concept behind the art for the Fukuoka store?

It's based on nature. Things like the sea and birds. I've used bird motifs extensively this time, inspired by the birds that have recently started visiting a perch I built in my garden.

—What had you heard about Fukuoka? And what are your impressions after visiting?

I didn't know much about Fukuoka before visiting. I think it's a very vibrant city. I was surprised to hear so many cicadas singing. It's a stylish place with many young people. I think there are more people here than around my studio in SoHo, New York.
I didn't have enough time to explore thoroughly this time, but I would definitely like to visit Dazaifu again on a day off.



—Were you conscious of any "relevance" or "connection" with the art at the Ginza and Kobe stores?

I wasn't particularly conscious of it. Rather, I think the concept differs for each store. Ginza is architectural, Kobe is water, and Fukuoka is flora and fauna.

—What are the highlights of the art at the Fukuoka store?

The motif of "eyes" hidden within the various murals throughout the store. When people see the shape of an eye, they unconsciously look at it, so I've used it frequently in the murals. You might be being watched...!

When you visit BARNEYS NEW YORK, feel as if you're in a gallery

—Do you have a message for BARNEYS NEW YORK customers?

When I design murals, I always create them so they stand alone as art, not just as decoration or wallpaper. The murals at the Fukuoka store range from abstract pieces to recognizable motifs like birds and fish. I would be very happy if, when you visit BARNEYS, you could take a moment to appreciate my work, as if you were in a gallery.