Del Barco

Del Barco is a women footwear brand from Costa Rica founded in 1980. It’s known for being the official sponsor, designer and manufacturer of Miss Costa Rica for the last ten years, as well as for Costa Rica’s representatives for Miss Universe. The owner took the risk to open a new store in the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, for these circumstances it was only possible to open the retail store if the design proved able to adjust to a limited budget. The brief stated that the store needed to reflect the ideals of the brand; the characteristic red identity of its color palette and a minimalistic appearance. The store has a tectonic red structure that creates a sensation of movement and dynamism through the entire store. The footwear exhibition spaces in the walls are intertwined by the structure, which moves up to the ceiling and reaches the center of the store creating a frame around three white lamps that make a focus of attention towards a central piece of furniture. In addition, the store uses a series of plastic molds upon which the shoes are manufactured and signifies part of the artisanal process for the creation of the footwear. These plastic molds serve as a primary design element that accentuate different areas in the store in conjunction with a variety of antique cobbler machines. Del Barco footwear store seeks to create an immersive atmosphere that provides a versatile shopping experience.