umdasch The Store Makers brings Italian lifestyle to Dornbirn for La Moda Bernardo
Just in time for the start of spring, the traditional family business La Moda Bernardo opened its newly designed store in the centre of Dornbirn. On around 350 square metres, spread over two floors, umdasch The Store Makers not only realised the creative concept, but was also responsible for the complete implementation. The result is a shopping experience that impressively showcases the owner family's Italian heritage - with an authentic atmosphere, emotional storytelling and high-quality craftsmanship.
A store like a trip to Pantelleria
As soon as they enter the shop, visitors can feel the Mediterranean lightness that underpins the design. Inspired by the small Italian island of Pantelleria, where the Bernardo family has its roots, a space has been created that not only presents fashion, but also tells a story - the story of a family that has been bringing Italian style awareness to Vorarlberg since 1974.
Design meets emotion - materials with meaning
The design concept is characterised by a stylish mix of raw natural materials and modern elements. Large arched shapes run through the entire store as an architectural leitmotif - they create tension, ensure openness and quote Italian architecture. Natural stone facing bricks on the walls give the space a titanic feel and are reminiscent of the striking façades of Sicily. The irregular surface of the tiles and porcelain stoneware adds a handcrafted touch to the interior and creates an authentic feel. This ensemble is complemented by black powder-coated metal shelves, which create a purist contrast and lend the store a timeless elegance.
Deliberately chosen by the Store Makers, the materials tell a story - of life on Pantelleria, of the rough stone of the island, of the lightness of wafting fabric in narrow alleyways, of marketplaces and family celebrations.
Highlights in all areas invite you to discover and linger
The men's area in the basement is connected to the ground floor by a large opening in the centre of the room. This architectural design not only creates an exciting visual axis between the levels, but also a striking stage for product displays. At the centre of the store is an impressive artificial olive tree that extends across both floors and lends the space a special atmosphere. A suspended ceiling made of bamboo mats creates an interplay of light and shadow, giving the space additional warmth and structure.
The Store Makers have staged the changing area as a lively Italian piazza - a place that not only invites you to try on clothes, but above all to linger, meet people and get advice. The characteristic arched entrances, framed by light, softly draped fabrics, lead into individually designed booths, while Mediterranean plants, Italian background music and stone walls complete the scenery. The result is an authentic space for the personal 1:1 consultations that have always characterised the family business.
In the centre of the store, customers can look forward to a lovingly designed checkout area reminiscent of a traditional Italian café. With terracotta tiles, fragrant coffee or a refreshing Aperol, the checkout is not a chore, but a charming end to a shopping experience full of Italian joie de vivre.
Italian flair from a single source
La Moda Bernardo is a prime example of the comprehensive service portfolio of umdasch The Store Makers: from conception & design and the role of general contractor to lighting planning, furniture construction and installation. Special attention was paid to the development of individual shopfitting systems - including metal arched shelving units around three metres high and customised centre room tables.
"As a designer, I really enjoyed transporting the Italian history of the Bernardo family to the store in Dornbirn. In the concept, we were able to combine well thought-out zoning with emotional brand staging and thus create a very special flair," says Julia Mitteregger, Shop Consult Director at umdasch The Store Makers, in conclusion about the project.
