Max Mara on Madison Avenue, Manhattan Boutique, NYC Commercial Interior, Design, Architecture Images

Max Mara on Madison Avenue, New York Shop

Manhattan Retail Development, New York – design by Duccio Grassi Architects

Oct 12, 2017

Max Mara Shop

Design: Duccio Grassi Architects

Location: Madison Avenue, New York, NY, USA

Max Mara Celebrates the Redesign of their Flagship Boutique

Façade
Neoclassic stone facade made in 1994 and now restored, is in harmony with the neighborhood and accentuates the two-story shop window. The custom-designed light fixture by Duccio Grassi Architects allows flexibility for window presentations.

Max Mara is pleased to announce the reopening of the redesigned flagship boutique in New York City. With approximately 5,000 square feet, the reimagined freestanding boutique is realized in a historical Victorian style building on Madison Avenue and 68th Street. Max Mara originally made this location their New York home in 1994 when it was adapted for commercial use with a restored neoclassical façade and exterior, which was awarded as the best renovation of the year in the Upper East Side.

Main entrance, ground floor
Ceppo de Gré stone, quarried in Northern Italy, is installed for the floor to emphasize the contrast between brass walls and plaster, while the space underneath the staircase is now open to add an even more dynamic energy to the main floor.

Duccio Grassi Architects lead the redesign of the space that truly embodies the essence of Max Mara’s Italian heritage and contemporary spirit. The underlying design concept lies within maintaining the building’s historical nature – the original walls, bricks and windows are no longer covered or obscured. Blending historical architecture and modern design, the newly designed space evokes Max Mara’s fundamental brand values of Italian craftsmanship and timeless construction.

Staircase
The existing staircase connecting the three floors has been restored and renewed with Oak treads, iron balusters and a brass handrail.

The Max Mara Madison Avenue boutique maintains the clean, elegant and refined lines and finishes that unify all brand flagships, while also encompassing unique contemporary details. The entrance floor is made of ceppo stone, the same opulent material used in Milanese palaces. Oak and grey pearl marble in geometric patterns cover the remaining floors. Walls alternate between stone and brass, all treated with an original Tuscan craftsmen technique that cleverly contrasts with the building’s original brick accents. Simple hanging structures made of wood, natural iron and brass add an elegant dimension to the space. Light serves as its own natural architectural element within the space as it penetrates the interior from the various windows in a way that enhances the tubular brass diffused chandelier, designed specifically for this location by Duccio Grassi Architects.

Main floor
Hand-treated brass wall surfaces, created with a Tuscan craftsman technique, are focal points to dialogue with the custom-designed light fixture.

Officially opening in September 2017, the Max Mara Madison Avenue boutique will carry the latest Fall/Winter 2017 collections across all core brands including Max Mara, Sportmax, ‘S Max Mara, Max Mara Accessories and Max Mara Atelier.

Passenger elevator
Volumes define the space and are highlighted by the choice of materials. The corridor leading to the passenger elevator and is sculpted and enriched by the hand-treated brass wall surfaces.

MAX MARA, founded in 1951 by the late visionary, Achille Maramotti, is the premier collection within the Max Mara Fashion Group and the epitome of Italian luxury and style. As a contemporary collection for the confident woman, consisting of opulent fabrications with precious details applied to ready-to-wear, Max Mara pieces embody femininity and craftsmanship. Symbolic for classic silhouettes with a timeless sensibility and constructed from the most luxurious fabrics, Max Mara is revered for the classification of the coat, sharp suiting and elegant accessories. Max Mara is available in 2,668 locations in more than 100 countries. Max Mara Fashion Group counts 9 different brands. The company remains privately held and managed by the Maramotti family.

2nd floor
Smoked Oak is installed for the floor in a Hungarian herringbone pattern. Accents include custom Smoked Oak tables, dark iron fixtures and Giallo Siena marble for the walls, quarried in Italy.

2nd floor, leading to the VIP Room
The most exclusive area of the shop is behind custom-designed, Italian smoke-glass panel sliding doors.

2nd floor, VIP Room
Grey pearl stone, quarried in Northern Italy, meets Oak flooring in a Hungarian herringbone pattern in the VIP Room. The custom-designed felt wall creates an articulated dimensional surface and a distinctly intimate environment. The singular ceiling light fixture is brushed brass aluminum with smoke glass.

2nd floor, fitting room
Hand-treated brass details frame a custom-designed felt wall to create an articulated dimensional surface.

3rd floor
Floor to ceiling, lacquered wood wall panels are sectioned framed in hand-treated brass accents. The wall surface is intentionally tactile for contrast and visual interest, which is a newly designed application created especially for this location. The opposite wall surface is Ceppo de Gré stone, quarried in Northern Italy, which is also installed for the floor.