Fiat has opened ew London flagship showroom and it is well worth
the visit even if you have no desire to purchase one of the swanky new
500's. The Marylebone store features a heavily chromed interior (look
out for the exhaust pipe clad columns) and is fresh and modern without
being intimidating or overbearing – think Austin Powers
love den meets the science lab of the future.
The space is split over two floors. The first floor is the showroom with a handful
of vehicles, a whole lot of shag pile carpet and a gift shop to boot.
Here you can purchase pretty much anything for the Fiat enthusiast from
cufflinks to handbags to miniature models that open up to become USB
sticks. Yep, Team Fiat has thought of everything. Downstairs is a more
minimalist white multi function space designed for corporate meetings,
fashion shows and art and design exhibitions. This space currently features the 'Fiat Workpop 500' exhibition where prototypes
of Fiat accessories that have been designed by 22 young product
designers are on display. The public can vote for its favourites, and
in a Survivor like contest, the winner's product will go into mass
production and eventually on general sale. Where will you be able to
purchase these you may be asking? In the gift shop of course. By Brendan McKnight