SKP Elevates Retail with Opera and Art Fusion

SKP, a luxury department store, has achieved success by consistently delivering a personal retail experience and embracing innovation. Most recently, the store drew inspiration from opera and art, a theme reflected in its design by the architecture firm Sybarite. This fusion of art, opera, and fashion was discussed by Sybarite co-founder Torquil McIntosh and iSing! Festival founder Tian Hao Jiang.

McIntosh explained that the convergence of art, architecture, and fashion has been integral to SKP's identity since 2012. The firm developed a visual language that extends across the store's surfaces, interiors, and architecture, aiming for a coherent identity that respects heritage while embracing the future. SKP's founder, Ji Xiao'an, envisioned transforming malls into sophisticated departments where brands reside harmoniously.

This vision has guided SKP's expansion into cities like Chengdu and Wuhan, each presenting unique design challenges. Despite variations, the core principle remains: design shapes environments with distinct characters. Tian Hao Jiang shared his personal connection with SKP, initiated through his autobiography and later through conversations with Mr. Ji about literature and opera.

Jiang highlighted SKP's meticulous attention to detail, from wall finishes to color choices, as a pervasive element of its spirit. He noted Mr. Ji's deep appreciation for literature. This personal connection led to the iSing! opera festival, founded 15 years ago by Jiang, coming to Wuhan. The festival has supported over 400 young artists globally.

Tian emphasized that opera, despite seeming distant, is fundamentally about human stories, mirroring the vitality of fashion and its forward-looking spirit. Wu Hongliang, president of Beijing Fine Art Academy, echoed the sentiment of connecting art with the community, likening the Wuhan Biennale 2026's slogan, 'walk and talk,' to serendipitous encounters.