Maison Valentino will open a new flagship store at 654 Madison Avenue in New York on November 8, 2023. The store reflects the global retail concept adopted in 2022, which focuses on unique spaces and is based on a reinterpretation of various sales experiences and approaches to interiors. Facing Madison Avenue and 60th Street, the new store spans three floors, including a basement and mezzanine, with a sales area of approximately 1,142 square meters. The store incorporates iconic columns and tall windows that offer a glimpse into the essence of the store's interior, including its materials and architectural silhouettes.

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Each floor is designed around a unique visual aesthetic, based on the iconic color that symbolizes the Maison, a color scheme focused on red, and carefully selected materials. The rational architectural approach, along with the materials and colors, create a space that feels warm and enveloping.

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Large double doors greet guests at the entrance, featuring sculptural marble handles modeled after works by ceramist Massimiliano Pipolo, whose organic shapes vary from store to store. These same Massimiliano Pipolo organic ceramic handles are featured throughout the stores.

Inside, imposing elements include seven-meter ceilings and the iconic exposed steel columns, which alternate with illuminated display shelves for Valentino Garavani accessories and are rimmed with concrete finishes. Different materials and textures, such as marble carpet and concrete flooring, create functional divisions within the space, thanks to custom-made elements such as a striking central green onyx display unit, and different interior spaces.

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Further into the store, the iconic Rosso Valentino is reinterpreted in several ways. Red marble is used for the floor and seating in the shoe area, contrasting with lighter onyx and concrete shelving. The ready-to-wear area is separated from the main area by concrete shelving. The immersive box-like effect within the store is enhanced by red velvet cladding walls and custom seating areas.

At the back of the store, a stately, rationalist staircase leading to the upper floors is crafted from an uneven mix of red travertine, white Botechino, and black Nero Marquina. The redstone of the staircase, which also separates the adjacent ready-to-wear area, creates a dialogue between materials and palettes, contributing to the eclectic narrative of the interiors.

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On the second floor, the women's ready-to-wear collection is contrasted with a checkered floor in white Botechino and black Nero Marquina, an oversized wardrobe lacquered in red, and a seating area in the same color. Guests can also enjoy Valentino's unique client journey, inspired by Italian hospitality, in two VIP areas, decorated in the ivory tones found in the Maison's ateliers. Each VIP area offers a private and exclusive atmosphere, with ample space and a separate dressing area, including a fitting room. Custom-made seating and furniture contrast with contemporary chandeliers by American lighting specialist Roll & Hill, chairs by Charles Zana, and ceramic objects by Massimiliano Pipolo, creating an even more sophisticated atmosphere.

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A sophisticated staircase crafted from botechino, red travertine and marquina leads to the menswear basement, where a different palette unfolds, featuring distinctive colours and materials such as exposed concrete, black parquet and brightly lit display shelving. An adjacent area is warmer, with lilac flooring complemented by mirrored columns, custom glass displays and green onyx display shelving. An iconic 1970s Desede Snake Sofa adds a relaxed touch to the space, while a 1970s Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini and 1970s poufs are featured throughout.

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The building's mezzanine level, a concrete box facing the store's first floor, will house a diverse range of temporary artworks from various galleries and institutions. The inaugural exhibition, a large-scale painting by Mario Schifano, will be presented in partnership with the New York museum Magazzino Italian Art as part of Valentino's commitment to supporting global art and visual culture.

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