Les Copains
Madison Avenue, New York
Les Copains, an Italian clothing company with boutiques throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia, opened a New York location as its U.S. flagship store. Rosenberg Kolb helped Les Copains establish its identity and image in a New York setting.
Their new location on Madison Avenue is on the ground and second floors of a nineteenth century townhouse. The ground floor was in need of renovation and the whole building required upgraded mechanical and electrical systems. The work had to be completed in three months in order to open in time for the fall season.
Rosenberg Kolb opened up the front of the store vertically, creating dramatic a double height window on Madison Avenue. The large stairwell at the center of the store and another opening in the second floor below a new skylight further breaks up the deep narrow space and brings in natural light to the rear of the space. The large glass fa ade is framed by carved monolithic panels of French limestone. This is capped with a natural finish, wrought iron railing at the point where the building sets back several feet to the original brownstone facade. Rosenberg Kolb worked closely with the Landmarks Preservation Commission to specify the cleaning and restoration of the original brownstone detailing.
Just inside the storefront, a two story high panel on concealed metal tracks provides for the mounting of large silk-screened photos creating a simple, bold storefront display.
The use of French limestone continues inside on floor tiles and monolithic stair risers and treads. Turned balusters and carved railings in solid oak compliment the oak paneled display system used by Les Copains in Italy. Rosenberg Kolb used warm, incandescent light against stained oak panels and off white walls to soften and enrich the rooms. The overall effect is an understated, elegant store where Les Copains' clothing is beautifully presented.