The showroom of the erotic clothing brand Anoeses is located on the ground floor of a historic building on Antonovycha Street, designed in 1911 by architect Altarzhevsky. This street, one of Kyiv’s fashion hubs, is home to a range of Ukrainian designer boutiques.
The clients wanted to create an emotionally safe and intimate space. The semi-basement of the old building turned out to be the perfect setting. The concept is built around concrete, metal, an achromatic color palette, raw textures, and refined silhouettes.– explains designer Anastasiia Tempynska.
Founded in 2018, Anoeses quickly gained international recognition. Its pieces have been worn by global icons like Madonna, Julia Fox, and Sevdaliza. The brand offers a range of erotic clothing and accessories, alongside more casual styles that can be incorporated into daring everyday looks.
The showroom is divided into three main rooms. The first displays corsets and the textile line on open shelves. The second features racks of latex garments and leather accessories. This leads to a fitting room area inspired by the shape of corsets, which in turn opens into a winter garden – a greenhouse complete with a leather swing.
Mirrrs play a key role in interior design. Various shapes are arranged across multiple surfaces, creating visual intrigue. A large ceiling mirror above the reception area creates the illusion of extra height and an additional natural light source. It's also a popular spot for guests to take selfies. Another spherical mirror on the wall evokes both the surveillance mirrors seen in underground parking lots and the curious gaze of an eye peeking through a keyhole.
The centerpiece of the second room is a large asymmetrical table made from charred wood, designed to resemble a museum display case. Inside, under glass, lies a copy of Madonna’s iconic Sex book featuring photography by Steven Meisel. Published in 1992, the book is considered a creative “Bible” for the brand and a source of ongoing inspiration. A new page is revealed every month.
The showroom features multiple lighting scenarios: recessed ceiling fixtures, accent lighting in arches, and display lights above the shelves. Most often, zoned lighting is used to create a moody, cocoon-like atmosphere – more cave than a showroom.
Rounded forms dominate the space, evoking the curves of the human body. A sculptural female figure adds an artistic touch. These flowing shapes are set against sharp angles and spikes, serving as a visual metaphor for the complexity of human emotion and erotic desire.
– While working on this project, I traveled to Switzerland. I think that’s why you can see echoes of the austere brutalism of museums, the dynamic energy of contemporary galleries, and the influence of Peter Zumthor’s architecture – whose work deeply impressed me during that trip – in the Anoeses space.– adds Tempynska.
