Alexander Wang’s magnificently marbled Mercer Street Balenciaga maison

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
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
Ligne Roset teams up with Origine to create an ultra-limited-edition bike
The Ligne Roset x Origine bike marks the first venture from this collaboration between two major French manufacturers, each a leader in its field
By Jonathan Bell
-
The Subaru Forester is the definition of unpretentious automotive design
It’s not exactly king of the crossovers, but the Subaru Forester e-Boxer is reliable, practical and great for keeping a low profile
By Jonathan Bell
-
Sotheby’s is auctioning a rare Frank Lloyd Wright lamp – and it could fetch $5 million
The architect's ‘Double-Pedestal’ lamp, which was designed for the Dana House in 1903, is hitting the auction block 13 May at Sotheby's.
By Anna Solomon
-
These illuminating fashion interviews tell the story of style in 2024
Selected by fashion features editor Jack Moss from the pages of Wallpaper*, these interviews tell the stories behind the designers who have shaped 2024 – from Kim Jones to Tory Burch, Willy Chavarria to Martine Rose
By Jack Moss
-
Loafer bags to sock shoes, 2024 was all about the mashed-up accessory
Wallpaper* fashion features editor Jack Moss reflects on the rise of the surreal hybrid accessory in 2024, a trend which reflects the disorientating nature of contemporary living – where nothing is quite what it seems
By Jack Moss
-
Why the slipper is set to be this season’s definitive men’s shoe
Wallpaper* 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
By Jack Moss
-
For A/W 2024, the working uniform gets a futuristic spin
Sculpted silhouettes, unexpected textures and plays on classic outerwear meet in the A/W 2024 collections, providing a twisted new take on city dressing
By Jack Moss
-
The breathtaking runway sets of S/S 2025, from beanbag animals to a twisted living room
Wallpaper* 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
By Jack Moss
-
A guide to the best fashion stores London has to offer
Wallpaper* 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
By Jack Moss
-
Lanvin’s new artistic director is British designer Peter Copping
Announced 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
By Jack Moss
-
Highlights from Haute Couture Week A/W 2024
Wallpaper* 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
By Jack Moss