Salsa Jeans: The new store design born on Paseo de Gracia
Authenticity and quality endure through time. This is precisely what underscores the history of the humble jeans, which celebrate their 150th anniversary this year. They were designed for one reason, and one reason only: to be authentically durable and resistant garments, capable of withstanding the long days American miners and ranchers spent working in the 19th century. Metal rivets were also added to the fabric at the most critical points, such as pockets and seams, to make them even stronger.
This first pair of denim trousers was designed by Jacob Davis, who lacked the capital to patent his simple (grand) design, and ended up partnering with fabric merchant Levi Strauss. And the rest, as they say, is history!
The ‘jeans’ trend
What started out as tough and hardy workwear, has become a staple in every wardrobe around the world. Who doesn’t own a pair of jeans?
Our Salsa Jeans
Jeans, in all shapes and colours, are #SalsaJeans garment par excellence and, from now on, the focus of their flagship store on Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia.
When the company approached us for their new opening, they were very clear that they wanted Tribeka to design a store that could be replicated in other formats and locations.
Salsa Jeans, a look worth replicating
A store must express, convey and visualise what it is and what it sells. That’s why we decided to make denim the central focus of our design, and that the shop should maintain this sense of authenticity and be built with natural and noble materials, such as wood, concrete and stainless steel.
Jeans and premium
These two concepts were essential cornerstones for the design of the new #SalsaJeans, store. Besides specialising in jeans, Salsa is also an expert in fits and finishes. Their commitment and level of attention to detail is evident in the quality of the garments they create, and something we had to be able to convey throughout the shop.
To seduce the end customer with a premium experience, having a high-quality product is not enough; the setting and, of course, the service, must also be premium.
The fitting rooms we designed were completely detached from the concept of “fast fashion” (producing and selling at stratospheric speeds). Instead, we introduced carpet, which provides a sense of “slow shopping”, and we recommend an attended sales system. That’s how we believe customers enjoy trying on clothes, by comparing, combining and creating outfits to suit their style. Our commitment to this idea included a personalised lighting system, which allows customers to choose the type of lighting themselves while trying on their jeans.
Jeans and tech
A modern experience based on jeans wouldn’t be complete without technology. So, the Salsa Jeans store also features a chill-out area where customers and their companions can relax while charging their phones. We also placed screens throughout the store, and even incorporated them into the display tables, allowing customers to see the jeans, catalogue and an explanation of the production process in one place.
Isn’t it fascinating how much you can do in just one commercial space?
History, process, technology, company… Now all that’s left is to show you how it turned out!
