URBAN GUIDE

Five futuristic rounded structures opened this autumn to reveal a novel world devoted exclusively to high-end retail therapy.

Throughout the Place du Casino's redevelopment, scheduled over four years, Les Pavillons Monte-Carlo will house the top fashion brands that used to be on Avenue des Beaux-Arts and in the Sporting d’Hiver. These pebble-shaped pavilions faced in off-white "diamond netting" are Richard Martinet and Chérif Jahlan's highly successful alternative to classic rationality and linear orderliness. Landscape architect Jean Mus was called in to ensure they blend perfectly with the Boulingrins Gardens, adding exotic species to the existing trees so as to create a synthesis with the neighbouring Petite Afrique Gardens. From Avenue de la Costa you follow a river-like path that meanders between a profusion of originally designed retail spaces.

Amazing and innovative shops
You'll find Sonia Rykiel paying a high-design homage to curves, Miu Miu in a world of muted green damask, and of course Saint Laurent. Akris highlights the structure of these buildings soberly clad in white, while Bottega Veneta invites you to rest a while in its cosy lounge. Lanvin makes you feel you're entering Jeanne's private apartment, all parquet flooring, period ceiling lights and velvet sofas plus that mythic Rateau chair. All the clothes shops have second floors bathed in bright light from skylights let into the pods. New arrivals include Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen's oneiric world. Fine watches and jewellery take pride of place via Piaget, its ceiling adorned with golden tourbillons, Chopard, devoting this outlet entirely to men and including a sport department, Boucheron, with its new all-white concept on the theme of Place Vendôme light, and also the Stardust shop. These aluminium "pebbles" that at nightfall twinkle with little stars could scarcely be more glamorous.