Clara Stones Coral Concept Store

An Ethereal Underwater Experience

A two-level store, the Coral Concept Store is designed thematically, with the ground floor representing the undersea world and the first floor evoking a decadent feast. The interior is ethereal, using white in different materials and textures to create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. The focal point of the store is the lighting fixtures, which form a mesmerizing light installation resembling marine organisms.

The specially designed jewelry displays follow the contours of the underwater world and are arranged into flocks, adding to the overall immersive experience. A wooden branch breaches through the floors, partly trapped in the showcases, adding a touch of natural beauty to the store's design.

Marita Bonacic, the designer behind the Coral Concept Store, explains that the store is treated as a place where jewelry is presented through the search for the perfect flavor or taste that suits each visitor. Customers are invited to try on jewelry in the same way that inanimate models taste it, while commenting on it as if it were a dish.

Despite the challenges of a tight budget and a short deadline, the Coral Concept Store was brought to life through a hands-on approach. The production process involved creating product shots for branding, acquiring necessary illustrations, and developing acrylic displays. The birch tree trunk used in the design was sourced from a private property in the countryside, with the help of a skilled neighbor and a chainsaw.

The redesigned Coral Concept Store, situated in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Marita Bonacic and her team. The project initially started in December 2014 with the redesign of the visual identity and branding, and the store was opened in April 2015.

This unique and immersive concept store has been recognized for its excellence and innovation, receiving the Silver A' Design Award in 2016. The award highlights the remarkable level of expertise and artistic skill demonstrated in the design, as well as the positive feelings of amazement and wonder it evokes.