005 Rimowa Soho Flagship |
Retail Design
Completed | New York | 2021
Rimowa’s flagship store in Soho, New York is the company’s third retail location in New York. Located in the historically
rich neighborhood of Soho, this design strives to take cues from the industrial
nature of its surroundings, as well as from the brand’s classic aesthetic and
iconic suitcase design. Using more neutral and industrial materials for the
store elements like, brushed aluminum, polycarbonate, white corian, and
concrete, the design showcases the luxury brand in a more dynamic and
complementary way.
Together, MA-MA and Mass Studio designed to allow
for a dynamic and flexible environment within a very small context. They
custom-designed transformable elements within the store; such as a bespoke
12.5-foot long multi-functional display table that serves as the central focal
point of the store. The display table is divided into two pivoting cantilevered
corian stone elements. This pivoting capability can dictate the direction and
flow of circulation throughout the space, allowing the store to transform and
be adaptable over time. The main wall shelving also employs a flexible design.
The horizontal shelves are movable, allowing for a variety of different shelving
display patterns.
A central and defining element to the store design
is the “The RIMOWA Passport Studio.” The custom designed passport
photobooth station lies on the central axis of the store, making it a focal
point of the space. It is designed as a mirror-polished stainless steel
cylindrical tube that reflects the whole store surrounding it. Visitors who
choose to use it can enter from its backside through a curved sliding door. The
interior is stark white, which includes adjustable seating and flattering
lighting, allowing for a completely private and elevated photo taking
experience. The self-service photo booth affords visitors complete control over
the process with a seamlessly automated user experience as they make selections
for their travel-ready, 2”x2” US passport portrait. Physical passport photos
are printed on the spot and can be shared as digital versions for safe-keeping
or reprinting.
Credits
Design: MA-MA and Mass Studio
Fixture Fabrication: Space Inverters
Window Display Fabrication: Studio Dada
AV/Tech Development: Brooklyn Research