Marrow Fine Chicago and Bells + Whistles Tune into the Art of Sophisticated Retail
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Marrow Fine Chicago and Bells + Whistles unite to bring a sophisticated and distinctive atmosphere to the world of luxury retail.
Marrow Fine Jewelry, the acclaimed San Diego-based brand, has made a dazzling entrance into Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood with a showroom that is nothing short of a masterpiece. Seeking to create a space that mirrors the opulence and allure of their exquisite jewelry, Marrow Fine enlisted the expertise of LA-based design firm Bells + Whistles. The result is a 1,115-square-foot showroom that beautifully marries the glamour of Art Deco with contemporary sophistication, offering an environment as captivating as the pieces on display.
Inspired by Chicago’s storied Art Deco history, the design embraces the era’s signature elegance while infusing modern touches. With oversized tambour details, rich monochromatic scarlet tones, and softly flowing case lines, the space exudes a sense of luxury and drama. Bold geometric shapes and thoughtfully crafted vignettes invite customers to experience the jewelry in an atmosphere dripping with style and sophistication, making every visit to Marrow Fine’s new showroom a truly memorable experience.
The Marrow Fine boutique features a captivating plush ‘babe cave,’ designed to echo the allure of an intimate salon privé. Swathed in rich, ruby-red tones, this cozy nook invites customers to indulge in private fittings within a space that feels both luxurious and calming. The carefully chosen colors play a pivotal role in creating an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming, making every visitor feel instantly at ease.
In the realm of interior design, color is more than just a visual element—it’s a powerful force that shapes the mood and experience of a space. Here, the deep, inviting hues transform the boutique into a haven of elegance and tranquility, making it a place where everyone can feel at home.
Bells + Whistles has crafted yet another stunning showroom for Marrow Fine Jewelry, this time in Chicago, building on the design narrative that began with their two California locations. The concept is rooted in bringing customers directly into the intricate world of Jillian Sassone’s jewelry designs. Upon entering, visitors are immediately enveloped in a striking installation of oversized Art Deco shapes and monochromatic textures that echo the elegance of Sassone's creations.
The Chicago showroom stands out as a monochromatic masterpiece, featuring hand-troweled pale chartreuse and scarlet Venetian plaster, luxurious scarlet crushed velvet, and rich American walnut accents. Patterned fabrics, Italian marble terrazzo, plush broadloom carpet in vivid carmine, and blush-honed marble further elevate the space, while vintage Italian light fixtures from the 1900s add a touch of timeless sophistication. Each detail is thoughtfully curated to make this location as unique and captivating as the jewelry it showcases, offering a truly immersive experience for every customer.
The showroom’s bespoke displays are more than just fixtures—they feel like extensions of the jewelry itself. Designed with the intent to create a dialogue between Jillian Sassone’s intricate designs and the retail space, these displays reflect a synergy that blurs the line between art and environment. Bells + Whistles has crafted a space where the design language of both the jewelry and the showroom engage in a dynamic dance, inviting customers into Sassone’s creative world.
By focusing on a social and immersive experience, the showroom removes the typical retail awkwardness, transforming Marrow Fine into a true lifestyle brand, where the ambiance and the jewelry coexist harmoniously. Their visionary approach to design and the seamless integration of luxury and artistry earned them the Platinum award at the 2024 MUSE Design Awards in the Interior Design - Retails, Shops, Department Stores & Mall category. This accolade celebrates their ability to transform retail spaces into immersive, lifestyle-driven environments that resonate deeply with customers.
Credits
Entry Title: Marrow Fine Chicago
Company: Bells + Whistles
Client: Jillian Sassone & Tim Sassone
Winning Category: Interior Design - Retails, Shops, Department Stores & Mall
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