Mind over matter: lifestyle brand Zazen Bear creates a tranquil haven in New York
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Tapping into the notion that we could all do with a little more peace in our lives, Zazen Bear (opens in new tab) is a new lifestyle brand armed with an array of playful home accessories, jewellery and objects that tout mindfulness and tranquility.
To match its wholesome ethos, the brand (which takes half of its name from the Japanese term for 'seated meditation') has opened a sprawling retail boutique in the heart of soho in New York. Designed by the Italian architect Pierpaolo Martiradonna (opens in new tab), the luxurious space is a harmonious myriad of clean lines, light wood and serenity - a moment of quiet in an otherwise bustling neighbourhood.
The store is spread out over two floors and boasts an elegant, airy staircase that stands beside a luscious vertical garden. Separated areas display the brand's various collections for easy perusal - be it simple ceramic cups, playful pendant necklaces or aromatherapy candles. A curved wall adds a feeling of gentle dynamism while offering additional storage space for its wares.
Downstairs, paintings and calligraphies by the Japanses artist Seiho fill the walls of a space dedicated to mediation and yoga programmes, as well as other events, that will be open to the public.
The sprawling boutique is designed by Italian architect Pierpaolo Martiradonna and is spread out over two floors
The two floors are connected by an elegant, airy staircase that stands beside a luscious vertical garden
Separate product areas enable customers to browse the brand's various collections with ease
The brand offers an array of playful home accessories, jewellery and objects that inspire mindfulness and tranquility
ADDRESS
Zazen Bear (opens in new tab)
497 Broome Street
New York
VIEW GOOGLE MAPS (opens in new tab)
Pei-Ru Keh is the US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru has held various titles at Wallpaper* since she joined in 2007. She currently reports on design, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru has taken a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars and actively seeks out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
-
Sabato De Sarno is appointed new creative director of Gucci
Italian designer Sabato De Sarno – formerly of Valentino – is the new creative director of Gucci, replacing Alessandro Michele who left the house last November
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Sotheby’s to auction Marie-Antoinette’s armchairs, amid other regal lots, in aid of French château
Sotheby’s Paris will auction works from the collection of interior designer Jacques Garcia in aid of Château du Champ de Bataille
By Martha Elliott • Published
-
Marco Campardo wins Design Museum’s emerging designer prize
The Design Museum, London, announces Marco Campardo as winner of The Ralph Saltzman Prize, an annual accolade to celebrate and support emerging designers
By Rosa Bertoli • Published