Polène Opens Its First Store in China at Sanlitun Beijing

On Sunday, the Northern District of Sanlitun in Beijing, recently refurbished as a luxury shopping hub, welcomed French leather brand Polne to its roster. The flagship store, covering 180 square meters across two floors, fuses French design elegance with subtle Chinese visual influences.

The opening comes two years after Polne debuted on Tmall. Visitors are greeted by a tall magnolia tree crafted entirely from leather, creating a serene centerpiece amid contemporary interiors. Walnut wood grids define the space, while the walls are clad in compressed leather bricks made from 12 tons of leftover scraps from the brands Ubrique workshop. The bricks retain a soft touch and provide a textured, natural feel.

An interactive installation titled Craftsmanship The Art Theater occupies one end of the first floor, behind walnut lattice doors. The three-part exhibit highlights Polnes heritage: its Parisian essence, Ubrique artisanal roots, and leather workshop techniques. Act one, Paris, A City Sculpted in Leather, depicts Parisian streets animated with the rhythm of the patacabra, a wooden tool unique to each craftsperson. Act two, Ubrique, Beneath the Horizon of Artisanship, showcases mini workshops made from Chinese Xuan paper against mountainous backdrops. Act three, The Workshop: The Grand Voyage of Leather-Working, features miniature handbags growing on elevated conveyors until they surpass the size of actual bags.

The stores grand walnut staircase incorporates Chinese cultural elements, casting silhouettes of iconic Polne designs on Xuan papera nod to traditional window patterns and 2,000-year-old Chinese shadow puppetry.

The second floor hosts a seating area, displays of jewelry, and the latest handbag collections, including merino wool editions of Numro Neuf and Cyme. While no products are exclusive to the Beijing location, the Chinese New Year collection will debut at the flagship.

Polne cofounder and CEO Antoine Mothay emphasized the importance of a Beijing presence. Beijing allowed us to communicate our culture and story. Sanlitun blends European aesthetics with the local shopping style, he explained. After establishing a Tmall store, Polne understood the Chinese markets demand for knowledge about products, craftsmanship, and fast delivery.

Customer interest spans ages 18 to 45, with around 25 percent returning buyers. Despite competition from local luxury brands, Polne aims to differentiate itself through the value and craftsmanship offered to customers.

Looking ahead, Polne plans to expand in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, while also opening stores in Singapore, South Korea, and Japan. The opening event featured actress and brand ambassador Zhu Zhu, WWD columnist Huang Hung, influencers, and members of the local press.

Author's Commentary: Polène Strengthens Its Footprint in China

The opening of Polène's flagship store in Sanlitun reflects a strategic blend of French design and Chinese cultural elements, signaling the brand's commitment to the Chinese luxury market. The 180-square-meter two-floor store combines sustainability with aesthetic appeal, using 12 tons of leftover leather scraps to create textured wall bricks and a striking leather magnolia centerpiece.

The in-store exhibition, "Craftsmanship — The Art Theater," emphasizes Polène's heritage, from Parisian streets to Ubrique artisanal roots, presenting leather-making as both art and tradition. This focus on storytelling highlights the importance of educating Chinese consumers about craftsmanship, which the brand identified as a key market expectation following its Tmall presence.

Polène’s decision to localize design elements, such as Xuan paper and walnut lattice structures, demonstrates a nuanced approach to cultural integration. While products are not exclusive to Beijing, the flagship allows the brand to debut seasonal collections and strengthen consumer engagement. With expansion plans across China and Asia, Polène positions itself as a global leather brand attentive to both quality and local market dynamics.

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• Polène Launches First China Store At Sanlitun Beijing