The Caron brand continues its transformation. Following its highly successful "Les Formes Libres" collection, orchestrated by Atelier Constant and artistic director Olivia de Rothschild, the perfume house has opened a brand-new boutique at 332 rue Saint-Honoré, in Paris's 1st arrondissement. The elegant space is the work of Casper Mueller Kneer Architects. Marianne Mueller, founder of the firm, tells us more.
What was the initial specification?
The project involved developing a new and unique architectural identity for Caron, a high-end perfumery with a rich heritage. A heritage that was reinterpreted under the artistic direction of Olivia de Rothschild.
What were your sources of inspiration for this project?
They were born from our exchanges with Olivia de Rothschild, who introduced us to the brand's unique heritage, deeply rooted in Art Deco.
We also studied the exquisite bottles the house has created over time, its dedication to glassmaking, the role and empowerment of women within the brand, and the Art Nouveau architecture. The perfume organ, that multi-tiered, semi-circular instrument used to create fragrances, also inspired us, as did the idea of the perfume fountain, a central element of the brand's identity. Finally, the essences of Caron perfumes themselves are incredibly vibrant and exquisitely beautiful.
How would you describe this shop?
The space we designed on Rue Saint-Honoré is intentionally monochromatic and minimalist to celebrate Caron perfumes and create a distraction-free olfactory experience. The walls, with their clean, tiered lines, feature small, illuminated, hand-blown glass pedestals for displaying the perfume collections. The light, diffused by the perfumes themselves, creates a soft, warm glow. The perfumes are arranged in a staggered pattern along the walls, like a perfume organ, enveloping the space.
Metal plays an important role in this space…
All the walls are made of stainless steel, treated to varying degrees to create diffused reflections. These tiered metal walls reflect ghostly images of the colored juices present throughout the boutique, echoing across the space. Thus, although the space is monochrome and cold in itself, it comes alive through the interaction with the fragrances, their colors, and the light.
Can you tell us more about the centerpiece of this shop?
The centerpiece of this space is the fragrance fountain, where perfumes are refilled. Hand-frosted, fluted glass tubes, filled with fragrance and light, are arranged to create a striking centerpiece that diffuses a vibrant light and draws the eye. It is a complex work, combining design and engineering, inspired by Art Deco chandeliers and Caron's long tradition of handcrafted glassmaking.
What is your favorite space, and why?
There are several features I particularly enjoyed: the small exterior display case showcasing temporary dioramas, the surprise of discovering a double-height space right from the entrance, the illuminated fountain already visible from the street, the retractable archives, and also the VIP lounge upstairs, with its metal walls, pink carpet, and metal and glass furniture. Throughout the shop, a deliberate interplay of scale and contrast aims to enhance the physical and olfactory presence of the objects.
Caron Shop
332 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris 1st
