SoHo Attracts Balmain’s First-Ever American Flagship
Image: Balmain.
A location intentionally targeted by Creative Director Olivier Rousteing, the house of Balmain’s first American flagship has officially opened in New York’s SoHo and draws on the designer’s admiration of downtown Manhattan’s energy, creativity, and beauty.
Image: Balmain.
In collaboration with the architectural firm Studio Ko, (who recently debuted AMI’s London flagship), the new space instills Balmain’s history and Rousteing’s strong, modern DNA into its glamorous insides. Separate to its Parisian sister’s classical design, the interiors riff on Villa Balmain, the beautiful vacation home on the Italian island of Elba that once served as Mr. Pierre Balmain’s retreat.
Image: Balmain.
Behind the restored 19th century black façade, a variety of mid-century art and design is acknowledged through features of thick plaster walls, recalling the signature styles of Luis Barragán and Oscar Niemeyer, black marble-lined archways that channel the spirit of artist Giorgio de Chirico, and a replica of a classic Greek statute that crowns the Mediterranean palazzo-inspired space.
Image: Balmain.
Image: Balmain.
Image: Balmain.
Detailed in marble, repeated touches of gold, brass, and surrounding mirrors, the store adjusts to an overall ambience of lightness and clarity, aligning collections and accessories.
Balmain is now open at 100 Wooster Street, NYC.
