Ladies, NYC has a present for you wrapped in 2,800 square foot of space on Madison Avenue. Designed by acclaimed architect and designer Rafael de Cárdenas, Baccarat’s newest flagship store has made its home in the Big Apple, featuring individual spaces for its three main categories: jewelry, home décor and lighting. The iconic brand will soon be celebrating their 250th anniversary, a commemoration of a name that become renowned for unmatched craftsmanship and design.
“Furthering Baccarat’s commitment to being at the forefront of innovative design, our partnership with Rafael is an exciting and bold choice for this storied brand. Rafael’s brilliant execution of our vision for the future of the Baccarat retail experience is a new look we are thrilled to unveil,” said Michelle Klein, President & CEO of Baccarat North America.
While each space in the store has its own focus, Baccarat’s dedication to quality artisanship will be present throughout. Starting with the entryway, the double-height façade showcases the brand’s French heritage with an etched glass pattern. The two-story space sits on brushed Nordic black granite flooring which has been elegantly paired with geometric strips of Macassar ebony and mirror-lined walls. Both the entryway and Jewelry Bar feature video panels which connect Baccarat’s 250-year history and its future.
A glimmering collection of chandeliers also light up the room which includes a 12-light Marie Coquine, a 24-light black Zenith, a 24-light clear Zenith and a 48-light clear and red crystal Zenith chandelier. The stunning lighting creates angles and shadows suggestive of the brand’s hand-crafted crystal pieces. Most notably, the Icon Wall made of Nordic black granite displays large-scale products across its two-story surface.
Leaving the entrance, guests will venture into the dynamic Jewelry Bar that houses a full range of Baccarat fine jewelry. A Phillipe Starck, 24-light Zenith Unfocused clear, pink and mist crystal chandelier lights the room giving it a soft warm glow. In The Lounge, Baccarat’s decorative and novelty pieces rest in a sunken room with a diamond-patterned hardwood floor and tufted grey suede walls. Its design is meant to connect guests with the product and provide an inviting residential feel.
The brand’s array of stemware and barware is featured in The Dining Room through a space lit by two 12-light and one 18-light Mille Nuits chandeliers. As shoppers make their way into The Lighting Room, they will experience brilliant illumination. Set against a dark-yet-reflective surface of the silver-black plaster walls, bright lights from floor lamps, sconces, table lamps and chandeliers frost the room with radiant luminosity.
Just like its brand, the new store reflects three centuries of timeless beauty and unrivaled luxury that has come from Baccarat. In 2014, the lifestyle brand will showcase its grandeur on a larger scale with the opening of Baccarat Hotel & Residences New York. Located just off Fifth Avenue, the hotel will be a symbol of sophistication and service. Look for the new property in the coming year, but until then, it may be time to do a little shopping.
