Roman & Williams is a definite source of inspiration. I think Sabrina and I refer to them constantly when thinking/talking about design work. Recently, I find myself citing spaces they have created as some of my favorite in NYC, from the Ace Hotel to the bar at the Standard. I love the way their work evokes a moodiness in textures and found objects, that often pay homage to another era. They mix this vintage romanticism with a balance of contemporary and modern touches.
Above is a video originally posted on The Scout, of the principal designers Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer speaking about their process.
I had somewhat recently tweeted from the McNally Jackson books cafe in Nolita about how much I loved the space and the fixtures designed by Front Studio. My iPhone photo really did not do it much justice, so I was thankful to stumble upon these much better quality shots from Kitsune Noir. I love the pages of the books that line the walls, and the books that seemingly float overhead. It’s a great little spot. Click here for additional photos.
Sean John Clothing collaborated with Brooklyn artist Aakash Nihalani for their pop-up store which opened last weekend in Miami Beach. The colorful geometric pieces are used creatively throughout the store and front display. More photos of the space at Sean John’s blog.
L’Eclaireur boutique’s amazing new space on rue de Sévigné is part interactive installation and part retail store. Outfitted with 147 video screens, 2 tons of wooden planks and countless recycled elements such as printer plates, the collaboration with artist Arne Quinze took almost a year to construct.
Owned by French fashion connoisseur Armand Hadida and his wife Martine, the duo already have 5 stores in Paris and 1 in Tokyo. For their sixth store, they wanted to prove that for selling fashion, it is not obligatory to show it, stating “This is not a store, it is an experience. We are playing with the discovery, the role of the sales associate is to communicate.”
