Written by The Editors of DuJour

Proenza Schouler has opened a new flagship at 153 Mercer Street. The design, led by Kate McCollough, features white, clean walls and glossy poured concrete floors and is devoid of traditional retail fixtures like rails and shelves, replacing them instead with monumental cubes. The four cubes, which float through the center of the room, are hand made from a custom-developed, artisanal mix of resin, fiberglass and stone. Functioning as fitting rooms, the interiors are outfitted with soft, plush carpeting. The rear of the store reveals a skylight, which floods the architecture with natural light. “We are excited to welcome our customers into a space that captures the essence of Proenza Schouler," says Shira Suveyke Snyder, the brand's CEO. "This new store represents a real-life expression of our brand— an environment thoughtfully designed to bring our collections to life and showcase the seamless marriage of art, architecture and fashion."

Written by The Editors of DuJour

Balenciaga

Balenciaga has debuted its downtown New York City flagship in SoHo offering the latest in ready-to-wear, shoe, bag, jewelry, eyewear and accessory collections for men and women. The two-story, almost 9,800-square-foot Greene Street boutique is the most comprehensive example of the brand’s Raw Architecture concept yet. The interior design’s complex assemblage of overlapping architectural frameworks with careful attention to existing elements inherently results in the use of fewer raw materials. Original lime-wash bricks, cabochon marble flagstone, concrete masonry, cement panels, bare drywall and exposed uses of plaster, stucco, steel and glass are softened with signature carpeting, satin wraps and refined lighting.

Written by The Editors of DuJour

Nili Lotan

Nili Lotan, has opened her first standalone men’s store in Tribeca. The new boutique features garment racks inspired by Marcel Breuer’s iconic tubular steel chair, an espresso bar, hand-selected antiques, artwork by Allen Tannenbaum and Dudi Hasson and mid-century furniture. A vintage record player allows customers to enjoy music from The Rolling Stones and Joni Mitchell. The brand's menswear collection continues to evolve offering easy, relaxed wardrobe elements like double-breasted wool coats, cashmere polos, work jackets and trousers.

Written by The Editors of DuJour

Varley

Varley has opened its first U.S. flagship on West Broadway in SoHo. Founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife team Lara and Ben Mead, Varley is known for its elevated wardrobe staples, blending refined knitwear with outerwear, trousers, sweatshirts and active essentials for women. The 2,200-square-foot store’s concept, developed in collaboration with HÁM Interiors, utilizes natural materials, curated artwork and bespoke furniture to seamlessly blend the design aesthetics of London and Los Angeles, with a nod to New York City.

Written by The Editors of DuJour

Freda Salvador

Footwear and accessories brand Freda Salvador has opened its first New York City store on Mercer Street in SoHo. Co-founders Cristina Palomo Nelson and Megan Papay collaborated with interior designer Jennifer Stephan on their second U.S. boutique. With white walls and vintage bohemian rugs, the open plan space is reminiscent of the coastal aesthetic from their headquarters in Sausalito. Custom millwork shelving displays a mix of the brand's collections and a selection of vintage-found objects and pre-loved t-shirts, denim and upcycled chore coats done in collaboration with Born to Roam Vintage. Earthy tones and elements throughout the space create a casual ambiance while the contemporary leather sofa invites customers to sit and stay. The label's practical and elegant shoes and accessory collections are designed in California and made by hand at family factories in Spain, El Salvador and Italy.