Golden Goose’s latest ‘Forward Store’ offers a vision for responsible retail centred on craft

The third iteration of Golden Goose’s ‘Forward Store’ concept opens this week in New York, founded on the pillars of ‘repair, remake, resell, and recycle’

Man putting Golden Goose patches on denim jacket
Golden Goose’s ‘Remake’ service in the brand’s upcoming New York store
(Image credit: Courtesy of Golden Goose)

Repair, remake, resell, recycle – these are the four pillars of Italian footwear and clothing label Golden Goose’s new ‘Forward Store’ concept, which opens its third iteration this week in New York’s SoHo neighbourhood.

Following the principles of the first ‘Forward Store’, which opened in Milan earlier in 2022, the 5,000 sq m space has the primary aim of lengthening a product’s life cycle, much of which is focused on artisanal craft (such expertise is embedded in the label’s Venice roots, whereby traditional Italian craftmanship has long been a part of Golden Goose’s manufacturing process). The stores sit under a wider ‘Forward Agenda’ from the brand, which it calls its ‘sustainable vision’ for the coming years – ‘trying, evolving, and learning’.

Golden Goose ‘Forward Store’ in SoHo, New York

A Golden Goose shoe sits in a wood-walled workshop

Inside Golden Goose’s ‘Forward Store’ in New York

(Image credit: Courtesy of Golden Goose)


As such, visitors to the dual-level store can expect activities that fall under the various pillars. Under ‘Remake’, for example, shoppers will be able to have unique customisation to either new or pre-owned products – from distressing to embroidery and hand-written messages – while ‘Resell’ is imagined in a dedicated space in the store where people can sell on products they no longer want, ‘ready for their next owner to embark on a new journey with them’.

‘Repair’ will be available through Sartoria (tailoring) and Calzoleria (cobbler) services, with ‘labs’ for shoppers to bring sneakers from any brand to be cleaned and refurbished – the aim once again to make sure products are in use for longer – while those who are finished with a product entirely can recycle it in the store’s in-store recycling baskets, to be put back into use by the brand. A made-to-measure service is also available for both footwear and clothing, with personalised products considered less likely to be discarded down the line. 

Hand stitching the word ‘Golden’ in a heart on a white shirt

Hand embroidery, part of Golden Goose’s ‘Remake’ initiative

(Image credit: Courtesy of Golden Goose)

The store itself is divided into the basement – raw concrete floors, iron pillars and timber shelves – while the first floor has the appearance of a futuristic lab, with an interactive 'Dream Wall’ and concrete tube that is an homage to Golden Goose’s industrial origins. The latter floor focuses on innovation, while the former reflects the brand’s made-in-Italy craftsmanship and the various pillars of the ‘Forward Agenda’.

‘For over 20 years, Golden Goose has been committed to promoting its handmade and artisanal tradition and to supporting the people behind these magnificent crafts, from the artisans to the tailors, to small local artists, among many others,’ says Silvio Campara, Golden Goose CEO. ‘The co-action between the Golden Goose’s cobblers and the clients will become a key element to this mission. From sustainability to responsibility. From co-creation to co-action.’

Golden Goose ‘Forward Store’ opens 16 December 2022 at 468 Broome Street, New York, 10013.

goldengoose.com

Fashion Features Editor

Jack Moss is the Fashion Features Editor at Wallpaper*. Having previously held roles at 10, 10 Men and AnOther magazines, he joined the team in 2022. His work has a particular focus on the moments where fashion and style intersect with other creative disciplines – among them art and design – as well as championing a new generation of international talent and profiling the industry’s leading figures and brands.