Beneath the storied dome of Harrods Knightsbridge, a quiet transformation whispers of la dolce vita through a distinctly English lens. Acqua di Parma has revealed its reimagined retail sanctuary, an immersive space designed by the acclaimed Dorothée Meilichzon, where Italian charm meets British refinement.
Tucked in its original position within the famed Beauty Hall, the boutique conjures the intimacy of a private members’ club an atmosphere shaped through textured glass façades, sheer drapery, and curated details that echo the traditional establishments of Mayfair.
“Harrods was an amazing store to display our new architectural concept for Acqua di Parma,” says Meilichzon. “We wanted to show some of Acqua di Parma’s essentials…the golden fruits, the Art Deco, the arches, the warm yellow—mixed with local inspirations like printed glass and fabric from Christopher Farr.”
The materiality speaks in a palette of contrast and continuity: terracotta tiles framed with parquet flooring recall London’s grand townhouses, while stainless steel accents and lacquered yellows anchor the space firmly in the Maison’s identity. It’s a marriage of timeless design codes Italian exuberance softened by English composure.
The layout, too, is a study in sensual choreography. Guests are first greeted by the animation table, a sculptural creation with inverted arches—a Dorothée signature—guiding visitors to the fragrance bar, where zesty lemons and citrus hues evoke the sunlit terraces of Parma. A wrought-iron chandelier floats overhead, playfully exhibiting the iconic Cube Candles. Meanwhile, a secluded sitting room behind the central wall offers a more discreet ritual: fragrance consultations amid citrus peel-effect textures and softly hued Christopher Farr upholstery.
For connoisseurs of the Maison’s lifestyle offerings, a curated selection of exclusive Art of Living pieces awaits among them, the Passepartout Charm Holder and the Andiamo Car Diffuser, designed to bring the spirit of Italian elegance into the everyday.
Acqua di Parma’s renewed presence at Harrods is more than a retail refurbishment—it is an ode to l’arte di vivere, a living installation of scent, craftsmanship, and cultural dialogue. And like all true luxury, it invites not just purchase, but participation.
87-135 Brompton Rd
London SW1X 7XL
