The graphic sensibility of Paul Smiths' new LA boutique
British ceramicist John Booth takes over the interiors of the new Los Angeles outpost
First opened in 2005, the bright pink, Luis Barragán-inspired Paul Smith store on super tony, hyper affluent Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles is now more than just a retail space; it is an architectural landmark, an Insta-famous, social media icon (#pinkwall) and a key image on the contemporary California pop culturescape. No pressure then, for the team creating the city’s second Paul Smith store, located on South Broadway in the hip Downtown area.
Located down the street from the Ace Hotel, next to the 1926 Orpheum Theatre, the new, 1,345 sq ft retail space at 842 South Broadway, in a former office of the Optometric Eye Institute is taking a more measured, curatorial approach to its retail image. To celebrate the store’s opening Paul Smith has invited British artist and ceramicist John Booth to collaborate in a total visual takeover that includes graphic window displays, large-scale artworks and custom painted antique furniture.
Already a long-term fan and supporter of John Booth’s colourful work, Smith mentored John Booth back in 2007 for the Rising Talents Award at the Maison et Objet Paris interior design fair and has showcased John Booth ceramics at the Paul Smith shop at No. 9 Albemarle Street, London. For the interior of Paul Smith Downtown LA, Booth has created seven unique, large scale works to be displayed inside the store. Multicolourful work also spills over onto exterior, architectural and industrial elements of the shop, which have been painted in typically bold shades also. To mark the occasion of the store opening, a capsule collection series of limited edition Paul Smith x John Booth accessories – consisting of a scarf and a baseball cap – will be on sale. #pinkwall now faces some serious insta-competition from #blueheatingduct.
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
The visual feast of the Sony World Photography Awards 2024 is revealed
The Sony World Photography Awards 2024 winners have been revealed – we celebrate the Architecture & Design category’s visual artists
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Don’t Move, Improve 2024: London’s bold, bright and boutique home renovations
Don’t Move, Improve 2024 reveals its shortlist, with 16 home designs competing for the top spot, to be announced in May
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Perfumer H has bottled the scent of dandelions blowing in the wind
Perfumer H has debuted a new fragrance for spring, called Dandelion. Lyn Harris tells Wallpaper* about the process of its creation
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Men’s Fashion Week S/S 2025: what Wallpaper* knows so far
The first details of Men’s Fashion Week S/S 2025 have been announced, including appearances from Paul Smith and Marine Serre at Pitti Uomo. In an ongoing round-up, here’s everything that Wallpaper* knows so far
By Jack Moss Published
-
Inside Sterling Ruby and OTW by Vans’ skatewear-inspired collaboration
American artist Sterling Ruby and OTW by Vans’ footwear collaboration was revealed in Los Angeles, backdropped by a specially constructed skate park created with PLAYLAB, INC
By Tilly Macalister-Smith Published
-
Best in shows: Wallpaper* picks S/S 2024’s standout looks
As part of Wallpaper’s Design Awards 2024 issue, we select the winning S/S 2024 runway collections – and their defining looks – at the start of a new season in style
By Jack Moss Published
-
Why the men’s tie is no longer a relic of the past
In the hands of these designers, the men’s tie is being reinvented in colourful, imaginative new fabrications – making it 2024’s most desirable accessory
By Jack Moss Published
-
Inside John Lobb’s timelessly elegant New York flagship, a trove for shoe lovers
John Lobb opens its 700 Madison Avenue store, a walnut wood-clad space filled with sophisticated footwear for any occasion or terrain
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Comme Si’s first store in Brooklyn is a design lover’s temple to socks
Sock and loungewear brand Comme Si launches a temporary Brooklyn store, a rich and inviting space created with designers Elias Studio, John Sohn and Yoonjee Kwak
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Extreme Cashmere’s Los Angeles takeover is a lesson in how to host in style
Amsterdam-based label Extreme Cashmere invites Wallpaper* behind the scenes of its Los Angeles pop-up, featuring an ephemeral restaurant inspired by the team’s beloved dinner parties
By Jack Moss Published
-
Inside Valentino’s vast new store on New York’s Madison Avenue
The three-floor Valentino boutique, which was formerly a longstanding flagship space for Calvin Klein, has been transformed into a beacon of Italian style
By Pei-Ru Keh Published