The new Gelato Mania flagship at Nelson Mandela Square reimagines the essence of a French seaside salon through a lens of refinement and nostalgia. Drawing cues from the timeless charm of Provence and the Côte d’Azur, the space blends Mediterranean elegance with a distinctly Parisian sensibility, a meeting of sun-drenched leisure and hotel-lounge sophistication.
Every detail evokes indulgence and craftsmanship. The interior is layered in rich walnut timber paneling, grounding the space in warmth and depth, while the solid oak floors introduce a tactile rhythm that balances old-world craftsmanship with contemporary precision. The checkerboard marble flooring, a nod to grand European cafés, adds a playful sense of movement and geometry beneath soft ambient lighting.
At the heart of the store sits the plastered ice cream island, inspired by sculptural scoops of gelato, a whimsical yet refined centrepiece surrounded by dramatic turned timber columns and gathered silk skirting in a golden hue. These tactile contrasts lend a sense of theatre, creating a dialogue between indulgence and restraint.
Throughout, velvet and silk upholstery bring a rich tactility to the lounge-style seating areas, inspired by the salons and hotel lounges of the French Riviera. The low-slung seating and marble-topped tables invite guests to linger, echoing the leisurely ritual of afternoon espresso or gelato enjoyed in Nice or Saint-Tropez. Imported Moroccan burgundy tiles add a handcrafted, sun-baked authenticity, their glossy texture balancing perfectly against the matte softness of the fabrics.
Lighting plays an essential role in defining the mood, sculptural brass floor and wall lamps cast a golden glow against neutral walls, highlighting curated artworks that nod to French coastal glamour and abstract modernism. The overall effect is both nostalgic and new, a space that celebrates the artistry of gelato through a lens of continental sophistication and local craftsmanship.
This store is an expression of art. From the décor to the gelato, welcome to our world, bringing to life our promise, Memories You can Taste.
Designed by Giorgio Tatsakis of Atelier Giorgio
