How do you follow up one of the most successful fashion collaborations in recent memory? How about a brand new flagship store in downtown New York City? High-end French fashion house Balmain is following up the huge success of their recent H&M collaboration with their first-ever flagship store in the U.S. in Manhattan’s trendy SoHo neighborhood.
The new flagship boutique, at 100 Wooster Street, is designed by Studio K with inspirations from founder Pierre Balmain’s “Villa Balmain” on the Italian island of Elba. And with over 2,100 square feet of brightly lit floorspace, large white ceiling beams, black marble-lined flooring, over-sized gold and brass accented mirrors, and classic 20th century French furniture pieces, the space definitely conjures up images of an elegant Mediterranean palazzo, albeit one filled with expensive yet tastefully curated clothing from Balmain’s famous star/celebrity designer Olivier Rousteing.
Speaking of the space and the choice of Soho as their first U.S. location, Rousteing said “It had to be SoHo. Anyone who knows me knows that I find America incredibly inspiring. I admire its uniquely open spirit, mix of peoples and impressive culture—and New York is all that, multiplied by a thousand! I fell in love with the city the first time I visited, and ever since, I try to see as much as possible each time I’m there—but what most intrigues me is that amazing mix of energy, creativity, and beauty that you find in downtown Manhattan.”
As native New Yorkers ourselves, we’d have to agree. Now let’s just hope his future collections can live up to that crazy downtown vibe.
