Snøhetta designs Polène's flagship store in Hamburg

01 October 2025

The brand's first store in Germany embodies a refined aesthetic—clean lines, fluid curves, and sculptural folds—an architectural reflection of the brand’s signature approach to refined leather goods.

Craftsmanship and curiosity

Conceived as a sanctuary, the space invites visitors to experience the essence of craftsmanship and the curiosity that defines the Polène universe, elevating the connection between product and space. Rooted in Parisian heritage yet shaped by Hamburg's raw coarseness, the boutique forges a new identity—where elegance and strength converge in dynamic harmony.

Guided by fluid interactions, the design translates the brand's DNA into a spatial language. Smooth, sculpted clay plaster surfaces meet the unpolished strength of metal, wood, and brick, creating a dialogue between refinement and rawness that sparks curiosity and wonder.

"For us, the design was about harmony—between a place and a brand, between people and space. Out of that dialogue, something new could emerge: a boutique that feels rooted and alive, elegant yet raw, intimate yet open," says Peter Girgis, Snøhetta Senior Interior Architect and project lead.

Material matters

Material choices are central to the Hamburg boutique, balancing softness with strength. The stone tiles—echoing those found on the city's streets—bring the fabric of Hamburg directly into the store, forging a subtle link between public space and private interior.

Local wood, chosen for its tone and grain, draws inspiration from the region's flora, introducing warmth and familiarity. Together, the material palette establishes a play of contrasts: hard versus soft, polished versus raw, refined versus elemental.

In this balance, the boutique reflects the resilience of Hamburg and the elegance of Polène, translating the city's character into a tactile, spatial experience.

"The concept began with a simple sketch of a human arm on a flight to Paris. Its natural beauty—the angles, the way it moves and interacts with what it carries—inspired the store's layout. Just as form follows function, the arm's dialogue with a handbag became the starting point for the entire design," says Julia Lackner, Snøhetta Interior Architect.

A conversation

At its heart, the project is a conversation—between designers and the Polène team, between city and brand, between people and the products they encounter. The body's geometry, the way it inhabits and shapes design, became a central part of the process.

Tactile encounters with leather reinforce the intimate bond between maker, product, and client—an enduring celebration of artistry at every stage. Custom-designed tables and curated gathering points encourage exploration, conversation, and connection, transforming the boutique into a space of both discovery and belonging.

The Polene store in Hamburg is a store designed not only to showcase, but to immerse—where product and place merge in a poetic narrative of beauty, craft, and community.