Catriona Mackechnie approached Universal with a strong business concept for a fashion boutique. The boutique would sell a bespoke collection of luxury lingerie and sleepwear chosen from a number of small but established international brands and the New York store was conceived to be the first of a number of specialist boutiques. The importance of the creation of a brand that was immediately identifiable amongst the lingerie brands on sale was a clear driver.

Working within the stringent New York City planning guidelines, Universal created a new angled glass façade behind the existing threshold. This reads as an inserted black marble, nickel and mirrored glass “box”, framed by the existing 19th century iron clad facade.

The key to Universal’s approach was a balance between the two main contrasting but complementary atmospheres which inhabit either side of the store. The sultry, texturally dense main retail space plays off the clean lines of the bright service and dressing area. A feathered wall constructed from individually coloured, pressed steel fins provides a soft tonal backdrop to the delicate garments.

A series of giant gloss lacquered screens frame sections of hanging merchandise, display hosiery and conceal stock. Freestanding furniture, sculptural fixtures, movable screens with relief patterns, handcrafted display trays and daybeds were made from a palate of soft white leather, Corian and polished nickel.

Universal worked with graphic designers Bibliotheque to create a visual language that was consistent across the environment, stationary and branding.  The colour scheme and floral motifs of the packaging were referenced in the store environment through bespoke wallpaper finishes and accent colours to the joinery.