Selfridges

The world-famous London department store chose to work with Vincent Van Duysen Architects on the interior design for their men’s shoe department. Located on the first floor and featuring over 250 brands, the department houses a mix of brand concessions, shoe galleries and a made-to-order shoe salon.

Working with Van Duysen and the client team, we were commissioned to create a 280-square metre bespoke parquet leather floor as a central feature for the new offering. The single herringbone design focuses on the idea of ‘leather on leather’ – the floor being made of the same material as the soles of a gentleman’s shoes.

Given the high footfall, the project required the most durable and hard-wearing of materials; and we opted for an English vegetable pit-tanned soling bend leather, produced with an exceptionally high density. Completed over the course of two months, untreated cut tiles were individually laid by our team on site, allowing the material to age naturally. With just a natural beeswax finish applied on top, the floor has been allowed to develop a rich patina over time.

Architect: Vincent Van Duysen

Date Completed: 2012

Client: Selfridges

Location: Oxford Street, London