Kering’s new Japan headquarters are more than just an office


The new headquarters will also be home to a Bottega Veneta store and host to various events

October 15, 2020: Global luxury group Kering has opened its new headquarters in Japan, located in Omotesando, Tokyo. 

Kering Japan headquarters

Omotesando is a key area for the Kering Group as its brands Gucci, Saint Laurent and Boucheron stores already situated on its main avenue. Alexander McQueen relocated to the area in September 2020 and Balenciaga will be opening one of its largest stores worldwide here in November 2020. In 2021, Bottega Veneta will open a new flagship designed by Creative Director Daniel Lee, on the first three floors of the Kering Building.

The building, acquired by Kering in 2019, was designed in 2004 by Pritzker winning Japanese architect Toyo Ito, its unique façade resembling the Zelkova trees that line the Omotesando avenue.

In the new Kering Japan building, four floors are devoted to office space, with the interior designed by architect Fara Taraie creating a welcoming environment. By incorporating elements of nature into the design concept, the space feels like a truly “Japanese home” for the Kering Group. Neutral colors and traditional Japanese interior features, such as Shoji (sliding wooden panels with paper) and Engawa (passageways) are all part of the design approach, along with the use of natural and recycled materials, while PVC is completely absent for sustainability reasons. Artworks by female Japanese artists have been placed around the office area, reflecting Kering’s worldwide commitment to supporting women in the arts and culture, namely through the Women In Motion program.

Along with the office areas, the building also has a dedicated space on the 6th floor, where Kering and its Houses will be able to host a range of events, such as Women In Motion talks and Sustainability events. 

The rooftop terrace on the seventh floor is a space surrounded by nature. “Inspired by Kering’s iconic owl, I designed a ‘nest’ that a bird might have created on top of the building,” says architect Taraie. This beautiful terrace, with its panoramic view of Omotesando, also embraces the nest theme in the choice of furniture, with egg-shaped chairs. The space is home to seasonal plants and flowers that are popular in both Japan and France, such as the lavenders that can also be seen in the beautiful gardens of Kering’s Paris headquarters in the former Laennec Hospital, built in the 17th century. 

 “We are very proud of our new headquarters in Japan, a historic and strategic country for the Group and its Houses. We want this place to be more than offices. Reflecting who we are as a luxury Group, this unique building is a place for creativity. Here, in this iconic building, we hope not only to welcome our visitors, but also to create a spirit of inspiration, audacity and innovation, and to showcase both our vision and our expertise,” said François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kering Group.

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