Exploring a multisensory retail haven at Soho’s 31 Crosby
At 31 Crosby Street in SoHo, a new immersive concept from “Outside In” and “Nature of Things” redefines what it means to shop in a beauty store. Located at this address, the space also features fragrance, coffee, and a hidden garden, woven together in a design focused on light and sensory experience. Beyond makeup and skincare, the store offers a holistic shopping experience.
Flagships meet café culture
This innovative destination hosts dedicated flagships for both brands and introduces a unique fragrance gallery alongside an “Outside In Café.” Spearheaded by Carisa Janes, the founder of “Hourglass Cosmetics,” Janes collaborated with Shanghai-based “F.O.G. Architecture” on the studio’s first project in the United States. Janes and F.O.G. beautifully marry aesthetics and functionality, redefining traditional retail expectations.
For another perspective on blending aesthetics and functionality, explore Madrid’s Capsule 04 innovative interior design which delves into artful space transformations.
“This was a rare opportunity to design beyond the visual, to think about how a space can engage people on multiple levels at once,” shares Leilei Wu, Partner in Charge at “F.O.G. Architecture.” The design encourages movement and engagement, crafting a dynamic visitor experience.
A tactile journey with Nature of Things
Within the “Nature of Things” flagship, organic materials create an enveloping environment. Curved loofah walls and tactile surfaces invite touch and exploration. A monolithic stone basin greets visitors, facilitating a hands-on product discovery.
Illuminating experiences at Outside In
Next door, “Outside In” utilizes light as its main material. The space is capped by a coved ceiling with a circular oculus, while frosted glass and stone diffuse a soft glow. Custom vanities with integrated lighting and adjustable privacy glass enhance the shopper experience. In the fragrance gallery, lighting shifts in color and intensity, altering the space’s mood around a custom scent wall.
Beyond beauty: café and culture
The concept further diverges from traditional retail with the “Outside In Café,” offering pastries and specialty drinks in custom ceramics. The eatery opens onto a hidden garden, giving visitors a serene spot to relax, independent of making a purchase. People coming here will find this café to be a unique cultural spot.
Similarly, on the theme of integrating nature with design, discover Shanghai’s Yanlord Arcadia oasis which illustrates the fusion of water, light, and greenery in urban living.
Events like artist residencies, product launches, and cultural gatherings are planned to animate the space. This establishment does not merely showcase products; it invites conversation and community within SoHo’s bustling retail landscape.
Source: design-milk.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about the retail space at 31 Crosby Street?
The retail space at 31 Crosby Street features an immersive concept combining light, nature, and community spaces. It integrates a fragrance gallery, coffee shop, and a hidden garden, offering a holistic multisensory shopping experience.
Who collaborated on the design at 31 Crosby Street?
Carisa Janes, the founder of ‘Hourglass Cosmetics,’ collaborated with Shanghai-based ‘F.O.G. Architecture’ on the design of the 31 Crosby Street retail space, marking the studio’s first project in the United States.
What are some unique features of the ‘Outside In’ section?
The ‘Outside In’ section utilizes light as its main material with a coved ceiling, circular oculus, and varying lighting that shifts in color and intensity, enhancing the shopper experience with dynamic moods.