ENHANCING New York’s sprawling cityscape with a dash of Italian sophistication, Fendi has unveiled an opulent new 6,900-square-foot flagship store on the corner of 57th Street in Manhattan’s Fuller Building.
Originally designed to house art galleries, the iconic building has been reenvisioned by Artistic Directors Kim Jones and Silvia Venturini Fendi as a contemporary space to house Fendi’s women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, and leather goods across two sweeping floors.
Fendi’s New York flagship
Preserving the historic appearance of the Fuller Building, the façade has been punctuated with six semi-transparent curtains printed with imagery of the Palazzo Della Civiltà Italiana — Fendi’s headquarters in Rome. Inspired by iconic Fendi tropes, the windows have been transformed with parchment leather from archival Fendi trunks, Selleria stitching, new modern gold metal and the instantly recognisable silhouette of the iconic Peekaboo bag.
Fendi’s New York flagship
Upon entry to the store, guests are greeted by a spectacular glass sphere installation, suspended at the centre of a double-height modular ceiling and surrounded by an eclectic mix of round lamps.
Highlighted by contrasting elements, the interiors see industrial cement columns and beams clash with plush carpeting and luxurious touches of Arabescato Vagli marble, brass and steel to marvellous effect.
Fendi’s New York flagship
The splendour continues on the second floor — accessible via a marble staircase — where women’s ready-to-wear is displayed alongside exquisite Italian designed furniture and set to a soft palette of ivory and gold.
A VIP room with curved ivory mohair walls and pink carpeting is tucked away by three-dimensional brass doors, while a lounge area with glass walls and a softly lit ceiling can be similarly privatised with ivory curtains adorned with an archival version of the Karl Lagerfeld-designed FF-logo.
Fendi’s New York flagship
Adjoining this space is the men’s area, highlighted by masculine wooden accents and leather furnishings, and the fitting rooms, complete with fur benches, metal ceilings and magnificent marble walls.
Fendi’s New York flagship
Launching on July 21, Fendi will also unveil a 360 virtual store for guests unable to experience the new flagship in person. Available to view on Fendi’s website, visitors will be able to virtually experience exclusive services such as the VIP rooms, create wishlists, and live chat, experiencing all the new store has to offer from any location.
by Joshua Hendren