foversta
[PuristSPro Moderator]
20814
Richard Mille opens flagship boutique in New York City
Press Release dated
10.23.18
Swiss
watch manufacturer Richard Mille opened its largest boutique in the
world this month, in New York
City.
Located at 46 East 57th Street, in the heart of Manhattan, the 4,200-square-foot flagship becomes the ninth Richard Mille boutique in the Americas. A two-story oasis of sleek contemporary design, bathed in abundant natural light, the boutique represents a new architectural standard for the luxury brand.
“From the
company’s earliest days, a standalone boutique in New York City has been
a top objective for me,” says Richard Mille, founder and CEO of the
company. “But I am never one to rush a project if it isn’t perfect. For
New York, where the boutique is an important showcase with global
visibility, it was well worth waiting for just the right location, and
the right
space.”
Mr. Mille and John Simonian, CEO of Richard Mille Americas, started the search for the ideal boutique location in New York a decade ago. As it turned out, the property they ultimately selected did not even exist 10 years ago. Today, the New York flagship resides on a stretch of 57th Street that has since gained the moniker “Billionaire’s Row,” thanks to the development of ultra-luxury residential skyscrapers in the vicinity.
The
extreme technicity and artistry that defines Richard Mille timepieces is
also evident in every element of the boutique, starting with the
30-foot-high glass façade that is visible a city block away. The
two-story transparent wall is illuminated by 156 feet of LED lights, to
create a glowing presence at the foundation of the tallest residential
tower in the Western Hemisphere. Twenty-four massive panels of
glass—totaling 37,000 pounds—are individually engraved and arranged
three-deep to form an ethereal sculpture based on Richard Mille’s RM 008
Tourbillon movement. Itself an engineering feat, the façade required
the development of metal cladding that could hold the panels in place,
including 13 tons of glass suspended from the
ceiling.
Inside the boutique, visitors enter a phalanx of individual vitrines, each displaying a masterpiece from the collection that together illustrate the history, and breadth, of the Richard Mille universe. Cracked glass louvers, black leather wall coverings secured with zippers, plush white carpet, Macassar and glass showcases create a powerful yet comfortable setting for discovering the timepieces.
A custom elevator in the center of the store delivers visitors to the mezzanine level. Like Richard Mille watches, the elevator’s cab and shaft are transparent to allow a full view of the machine at work and the fine details of each part inside. Encased in curved, three-layer glass panels with metal cladding that is brushed, polished and chamfered in the manner of a Richard Mille case, the illuminated elevator creates the illusion of a floating capsule.
A
mid-floor bar, VIP consultation rooms, displays of the collection’s
ladies and automatic timepieces, and a lounge overlooking 57th Street
create the ideal milieu for enjoying the Richard Mille lifestyle on the
boutique’s mezzanine
level.
The New York boutique was designed by Richard Mille’s Paris-based in-house team, and constructed by New York-based TPG Architecture, and Viridis of Norwalk, Connecticut.
The
Richard Mille New York City boutique is open Monday through Saturday
from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
New Release
Richard Mille unveils limited edition RM 008 LMC and RM 011 LMC watches for Le Mans Classic 2012, blending haute horlogerie with motorsport.
1 replies965 views
New Release
Explore the Richard Mille RM 008 LMC Tourbillon Chronograph and RM 011 LMC Automatic Chronograph, limited editions for the 2012 Le Mans Classic.
1 replies1040 views
Manufacture
Foversta reviews the Richard Mille boutique in Paris, detailing its strategic Avenue Matignon location, expansive design, and focus on art and lifestyle clients.
9 replies5986 views
Reference Guide
Discover the meticulous craftsmanship behind the Richard Mille RM008. Andrew H's 2006 report reveals Fernand Simao, the lone watchmaker, and the F1 philosophy.
0 replies8709 views
New Release
Discover the Richard Mille RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver’s Watch. Learn about its round case, 300m water resistance, and caliber RM 025 movement. A technical marvel for extreme depths.
28 replies8823 views
Richard Mille opens flagship boutique in New York City
Press Release dated 10.23.18 Swiss watch manufacturer Richard Mille opened its largest boutique in the world this month, in New York City. Located at 46 East 57th Street, in the heart of Manhattan, the 4,200-square-foot flagship becomes the ninth Richard ...
You said it Edo -
Fantastic space and presence - Just add the in demand watches and it would be perfect!