Harrys of London Park Avenue

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Coveted men’s footwear and accessories purveyor Harrys of London is launching its first U.S. location on the corner of Manhattan’s posh Park Avenue and the prominent 57th Street. Christian Lahoude Studio elevated its original concept for the brand’s Burlington Arcade location, correlating Harrys’ modern aesthetic with its British heritage. More specifically, London’s historical Gentlemen’s Clubs and Mayfair Hotels provided the inspiration for the design of the 800sqft store.

The Studio’s main objective was to balance a respect for tradition, while embracing the future through the blending of timeless style and innovation. Engraved panels in mirrors and tone-on-tone paneling on the walls provide hints of the traditional British Library and the European salon. Wood moldings and paneling (wainscoting) is also blended into the unique world of Harrys. Framing the product areas, the store’s central material element is the use of delicate rose gold trim that floats continuously throughout the space, contrasting the purity of the noble grey color palette. Integrated neon lighting becomes a feature wall that brings to life the brand’s characteristics of technology and thoughtful, quality design. Herringbone flooring appears in an oiled-finished oak and is framed with luxurious, Italian-sourced Bardiglio Nublado marble with heavy veining. Sparkling black mesh is utilized as full height screens, adding a refined layer to the environment’s rich textures.

As the store is located on the first floor of the landmark Ritz Tower, the existing exterior arches are accentuated with a glowing lightbox on which the Harrys signage floats. Lightness and the theme of floating is integral to the brand and its designs as well as the use of a “soft-solid” material called technogel in the making of its shoes. A large monitor faces the street as an attention-grabbing tool to interact with the busy car and foot traffic outside.