CRÈME EXPANDS GLOBALLY WITH TOKYO RESTAURANT DESIGN
Fuses New York Energy and Japanese Ethos in Scarpetta Tokyo
| Tokyo, Japan - November 10, 2022 | CRÈME, the award-winning, Brooklyn based design and architecture firm led by Jun Aizaki, expands their portfolio of projects in Japan to include Scarpetta’s newest location in Tokyo. CRÈME’s understated, yet refined approach for LDV Hospitality’s latest concept, Scarpetta Tokyo, creates a welcoming environment by layering organic elements that capture the essence of Japan’s love of nature. Consisting of a straightforward and purposeful design, Scarpetta Tokyo curates an ambiance of effortless elegance.
CRÈME Principal Jun Aizaki comments, “We are so excited to bring a global perspective to Scarpetta, connecting the brand’s New York City DNA with its latest home in Tokyo, and to capture the synergy of two places we also call home.”
The design firm created a space that was expansive and intimate at the same time, with its open concept and 16’ high ceilings, filled with seasonal flowers and plants that emphasize the cherry blossom motif, a symbol of Japanese culture. Designed with an aesthetic of natural, minimal chic, the various flowers, plants, and trees carry through the arch of the foyer, bar and partitions, reinforcing the concept of seasonality. Maintaining the moody, convivial feel of its New York roots, the design team incorporates a variety of seating arrangements including cozy booths and elevated bar stools accented by various forms of architectural lighting including pendants, sconces, and task lamps, custom made to appear as if they’ve been there for years.
The restaurant features two private dining rooms and a large main dining room that opens to an outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery. Punctuating the main dining room, a painting by artist Yael Caffrey blends earthy tones with expressive brush strokes to create a sensory effect, revealing traces of memory while instilling feelings of harmony and warmth. Accentuating the verticality of the space, the design team incorporates a two-tiered ceiling along with decorative flutes and scallops within the walls and columns; maintaining a sense of human scale and touch, they layered materials that feel organic and warm, including dark woods paired with patterns and colors inspired by the seasonal changes in Japanese flora. Opening the space, CRÈME integrates three expansive mirrors in four tinted colors with a modern stained-glass motif.
CRÈME celebrates the restaurant’s streetscape location by strategically locating the bar within a corner surrounded by a floor to ceiling glass facade. Dividing the main restaurant from the bar, an open archway and ribbed glass wall create a dramatic street view for patrons and passersby.
“We love that people can feel the atmosphere and vibe of the space before they even step inside” states Kohji Kawabata, Design Director of CRÈME.
About CRÈME
CRÈME is a collaboration of dynamic, international designers and creative professionals, founded by Jun Aizaki in 2004. With a multidisciplinary background in the design field, Aizaki and his team of talented designers work globally on a range of projects including furniture design, branding, restaurants, hotels and retail stores. Based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Tokyo, Japan, the firm surrounds itself with both a local and global array of cultural influences and resources. The goal is to meet the needs of each client and create successful, lasting spaces. CRÈME has been featured in The New York Times, Interior Design, Architect’s Newspaper, Metropolis, Dwell, BOB, Kinfolk, New York Magazine, Elle Décor, Hospitality Designand beyond.
About LDV Hospitality
LDV is a global hospitality group that creates authentic and unique restaurant and cocktail bar experiences. With the group’s continued expansion into Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the LDV portfolio spans the most coveted destinations across the globe. Inspired by La Dolce Vita, "The Good Life," the group was founded in 2008 by Founder and President John Meadow. LDV's commitment to culinary integrity and excellence in service continues to deliver unforgettable experiences that define a true sense of occasion and place. With its modern interpretation of classic old-world hospitality, LDV's signature brands and Hospitality Studio create exceptional, tailor-made food and beverage programs for guests and hotel partners, alike. With every meal, our restaurants deliver bold, authentic flavors against the backdrop of an effortlessly elegant dinner party setting you won't want to miss.