"SO-IL co-founder Jing Liu described the atmosphere in the space as "clean, precise, audacious," reflecting Issey Miyake's innovative and experimental approach to fashion and tailoring. The scale of the open interior volume matches the monumentality of the 34-storey building's limestone exterior, which was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1928."
""Visually, there are not many 'designed objects' in the space, but key elements are integrated and work in an essential way with the existing building elements," Liu told Dezeen. For example, a continuous aluminium rail spans across the building's grand arched windows, while giant studded-steel columns create a rhythm and symmetry for the perforated metal cases that house ceiling-mounted services and lighting."
""We tried not to have the fixtures and architecture stand in the way of the clothing, which should be the main show and the one that changes with the seasons, keeping the space fresh," said Liu. "Buildings, on the other hand, will be there for a long time, so it doesn't need to be loud or in the foreground.""
"At the back is a mezzanine level accessed via a doglegged staircase that's suspended from the steel structure. The slender profile of the treads and risers paired with all-glass balustrades lends the staircase an almost weightless appearance."
SO-IL transformed a large interior volume inside the neo-gothic New York Life building into a flagship store for Issey Miyake on Madison Avenue. The space matches the monumentality of the 34-storey limestone exterior designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1928. The atmosphere is described as clean, precise, and audacious, aligning with the brand’s experimental approach. Key elements are integrated with existing building features, including a continuous aluminium rail across grand arched windows and studded-steel columns that establish rhythm and symmetry for perforated metal display cases. Most of the floor area remains open, directing attention to garments on custom aluminium rails and glass-topped tables. A mezzanine at the back is reached via a suspended doglegged staircase with all-glass balustrades.
Read at Dezeen
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