It may be located smack bang in tourist Mecca that is Mercer Street, but Balenciaga’s vault-like SoHo store heralds more than a serious dose of sophistication – it’s also the brand’s first boutique launch under artistic director Alexander Wang. Though an imposing 415 sq m, it comprises intimate salons that showcase the house’s ready-to-wear, accessories, eyewear and fragrance lines.
Wang collaborated on the project with 28-year-old New York designer Ryan Korban (whom he met at Parsons before commissioning him to design his own home), working primarily with classical Verde Ramegiatto marble (its grain reminds you of a grand 20th-century bank), limestone and forest-green suede. More contemporary accents include ‘cracked resin’ for a mineral effect, poured concrete and ‘caviar’ embroidered upholstery, referencing the house’s Avenue George V headquarters. With its distinct veining, the dark green marble is a central symbol of the boutique’s identity, while a curving LED skylight veiled by a geometric metal trellis emits a soft glow – echoing museum-quality lighting.
ADDRESS
Balenciaga
148 Mercer Street
New York, NY 10012 USA
-
Travel editor Sofia de la Cruz’s gift guide for the discerning globetrotterWallpaper* travel editor Sofia de la Cruz curates her festive wish list, packed with stylish essentials for those constantly on the go
-
Paul Smith’s Claridge’s Christmas tree is a playful slice of ‘countryside in the centre of London’Sir Paul Smith is the latest in a long line of fashion designers to curate the iconic Claridge’s Christmas tree. Here, he talks to Wallpaper* about the inspiration behind the tree, which features bird boxes and wooden animals
-
Victoire de Castellane nods to Dior motifs in a new fine jewellery collectionFor the latest additions to the My Dior collection, Victoire de Castellane turns the house’s signature cannage motif into golden wonders
-
Why the slipper is set to be this season’s definitive men’s shoeWallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss unpacks the rise of the men’s slipper, which looks set to become this season’s most ubiquitous shoe. Plus, five styles to channel the slipper’s louche elegance in your own wardrobe
-
For A/W 2024, the working uniform gets a futuristic spinSculpted silhouettes, unexpected textures and plays on classic outerwear meet in the A/W 2024 collections, providing a twisted new take on city dressing
-
The breathtaking runway sets of S/S 2025, from beanbag animals to a twisted living roomWallpaper* picks the best runway sets and show spaces of fashion month, which featured Bottega Veneta’s beanbag menagerie, opulence at Saint Laurent, and artist collaborations at Acne Studios and Burberry
-
A guide to the best fashion stores London has to offerWallpaper* picks the must-visit London fashion stores – from big-name boutiques and classic department stores to the best in vintage, alongside the sleek and experimental
-
Lanvin’s new artistic director is British designer Peter CoppingAnnounced by Lanvin today, new artistic director Peter Copping comes with a wealth of industry experience, including creative director roles at Nina Ricci and Oscar de la Renta
-
Highlights from Haute Couture Week A/W 2024Wallpaper* picks the best of Haute Couture Week A/W 2024 in Paris, from Olympics-inspired offerings at Dior and Thom Browne to the first Chanel collection since the departure of Virginie Viard
-
Pre-Fall 2024’s defining looks combine sharp silhouettes with a soft touchA play on texture defines the Pre-Fall 2024 collections, seeing clean lines and pin-sharp tailoring meet soft-to-the-touch fabrics. Here, photographer Mattia Parodi captures the season’s best looks
-
The moments fashion met art at the 60th Venice BiennaleThe best fashion moments at the 2024 Venice Biennale, with happenings from Dior, Golden Goose, Balenciaga, Burberry and more
