Fashion retail places specific demands on lighting. It is not enough to achieve the required illuminance level. Clothing, colours, materials and people all need to be presented correctly, while the lighting itself should remain comfortable and complement the interior.
For Jolie Women, the lighting concept combines recessed Cardan S Two luminaires with Huginn track spots, our dedicated Fashion LED module and a clean white Nordic Aluminium track system.
Colours that look right
Colour rendering is particularly important in fashion. Reds, pinks, beige tones, denim, whites and subtle colour differences between fabrics can easily lose their character under an unsuitable light source.
A high CRI is therefore only part of the story. The spectral distribution of the light, including the rendering of saturated red tones such as R9, has a major influence on the final appearance.
For Jolie Women, the luminaires are equipped with our Fashion LED module. Its spectrum is developed specifically for fashion retail, helping colours appear rich and attractive while maintaining a natural appearance.
Showing fabrics and textures
Fashion is also about material. Knitwear, denim, leather, wool, smooth fabrics and structured textiles should not appear flat.
Directional lighting creates highlights and shadows that reveal these differences. At Jolie Women, Huginn track spots provide this accent lighting throughout the retail area. Individual luminaires can be aimed towards clothing racks, wall presentations and displays, allowing the light to follow the merchandise instead of simply illuminating the floor.
Different optics were selected according to the application. Narrower distributions can create stronger accents, while wider beams provide more even illumination across larger presentations.
Vertical light matters
Most products in a fashion store are viewed vertically. Garments hang on racks, collections are presented on walls and customers see themselves standing in front of mirrors.
Good vertical illumination is therefore essential. Carefully positioned track spots bring light onto the front of the garments and help give the store visual depth. Controlled contrast also guides attention towards collections and selected presentation areas without making the overall space feel overly dramatic.
Natural skin tones
Lighting in a fashion store also illuminates the customer.
A spectrum that renders skin poorly can make a fitting room or mirror experience feel very different from how the clothing looks outside the store. Skin tones should remain natural, while the colours of the garment need to stay recognisable.
The Fashion module was therefore an important part of the lighting concept, supporting both the presentation of the collection and the appearance of the person wearing it.
Integrated and flexible lighting
Cardan S Two luminaires provide recessed illumination where a more integrated solution was required. Their two adjustable light sources allow the direction of the light to be controlled while keeping the luminaires neatly incorporated into the ceiling.
Huginn was chosen as the track-mounted solution for its timeless design and flexibility. Its clean shape does not compete with the interior, while the adjustable track installation makes it possible to respond to changes in displays and collections.
The luminaires and track were specified in white, creating a clean appearance that blends naturally with the architecture. The Nordic Aluminium track system provides the basis for the adjustable lighting throughout the store.
Visual comfort without losing contrast
Strong accent lighting is effective in retail only when glare is kept under control. The customer should notice the illuminated clothing, not be distracted by bright light sources.
Careful aiming, appropriate beam angles and a balanced relationship between general and accent lighting help create contrast while maintaining visual comfort. Consistency is equally important. A stable light colour throughout the shop prevents garments from suddenly appearing warmer, greener or more pink in different areas.
The result is a lighting concept designed around the way fashion is actually experienced: colour, texture, skin tone, contrast and flexibility working together.
The project was realised in cooperation with our partner D&A Licht.
