Irene Neuwirth and Studio Shamshiri bring magical realism to New York
Fall down the whimsical rabbit hole of Irene Neuwirth’s new jewellery boutique on Madison Avenue
Jewellery designer Irene Neuwirth’s whimsical world is brought to life in a new boutique created in collaboration with LA-based design firm Studio Shamshiri. The eclectic space on New York’s Madison Avenue encapsulates Neuwirth’s fantastical vision, her bold and colourful jewellery reflected in a hypnotising play of colour, texture and surrealist motifs.
A larger-than-life giraffe by Clare Crespo, at rest in the front window, sets the tone for the jewellery box of treasures inside. Studio founder Pamela Shamshiri – a Wallpaper* 2023 Design Awards judge, and behind the refresh of Ledgewood, a midcentury home in the Hollywood Hills – and Neuwirth looked to Henri Rousseau paintings to bring allegorical jungle themes to the Upper East Side, with a Californian irreverence, first seen in the Melrose Place, LA, store the duo collaborated on, running throughout.
Luxury and whimsy at Irene Neuwirth Madison Avenue
‘I would work with Pam and Studio Shamshiri on every single store I ever open,’ says Neuwirth on the design process. ‘What started as a professional relationship when I approached her to do Melrose Place, nine years ago, turned into a deep friendship. We travel together and are constantly sending inspiration back and forth. Pam really captures me and my brand in the perfect way. She strikes this very hard-to-describe balance between luxury and whimsy. Everything is playful but ultra-refined.’
It is a philosophy reflected in offbeat, custom elements – in a kidney bean-shaped sofa by Jouffre, in fringed chandeliers and a 14ft tall, hand-cast and hammered metal palm tree by artist Chris Wolston. ‘The location really pushed us to elevate the experience, yet keep it cosy and approachable,’ Neuwirth adds. ‘It was so fun to think about what the store should feel like in the middle of Madison Avenue, in our forever location.
‘We decided early on to mix things up and collaborate with incredible artists and really push the limits of what was possible in an Upper East Side jewel box. A giraffe in the front window, a palm tree in the middle of the room. The way it all comes together feels magical – mesmerising but not overwhelming, and a perfect home for the jewels.’
Exquisite pieces of furniture, from a vintage ‘Lovers’ coffee table by Philip and Kelvin Laverne to a custom screen by Peter Pilotto and a vintage modernist table and chairs by Alessandro Mendini, invite customers to pause, imbuing the retail experience with a magical momentum. ‘My approach has always been inviting, whimsical, luxurious, colourful, so this was just a natural evolution. It’s just very, very elevated, very luxurious. We loved the idea of an Alice in Wonderland rabbit hole that a visitor would go down; experiencing the collection for the first time or coming back for the thousandth time, it should always feel new, inspiring and unexpected.’
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Hannah Silver is the Art, Culture, Watches & Jewellery Editor of Wallpaper*. Since joining in 2019, she has overseen offbeat design trends and in-depth profiles, and written extensively across the worlds of culture and luxury. She enjoys meeting artists and designers, viewing exhibitions and conducting interviews on her frequent travels.
-
Art, culture, watches & jewellery editor Hannah Silver’s gift guide
From a Beryl Cook cushion to an offbeat diamond ring, there's something for everyone on this Wallpaper* editor's gift guide, embracing art, culture and style
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Feldspar makes its mark on Mayfair with a festive pop-up at Corinthia Hotel
Devon-based bone china brand Feldspar makes its first foray into shopkeeping with a pop-up at London’s Corinthia Hotel. Ali Morris speaks with the founders and peeks inside
By Ali Morris Published
-
Dip into Wyld sauna: Liverpool's floating Finnish-style destination for lovers of extreme heat
Wyld sauna has opened in Liverpool, offering the perfect excuse to take a dive into the Nordic wellness tradition
By Emma O'Kelly Published
-
Shinola’s Elijah McCoy pocket watch pays homage to the pioneering locomotive engineer
Shinola continues its Great American series with the Elijah McCoy Mechanic 45mm pocket watch
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Lugano’s versatile high jewellery pieces are too good to save for special occasions
Californian brand Lugano embraces unexpected materials and cool design codes in its informal high jewellery
By Hannah Silver Published
-
‘Given hip-hop’s roots in New York, the chance to tell this story in this city is very special’
The American Museum of Natural History plays a blinder with ‘Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry’, a cultural trip through jewellery design
By Caragh McKay Published
-
The American watch brands to know now
From Autodromo to JN Shapiro, American watch brands are having a moment
By Chris Hall Published
-
Bernard James’ flora-inspired diamonds mark ten years of Dover Street Market New York
Bernard James’ jewellerydebuting at Dover Street Market features rings, earrings and necklaces inspired by blossoming flora
By Alfredo Mineo Published
-
Seaman Schepps reveals offbeat new jewellery and homeware
Seaman Schepps celebrates 120 years of eclectic design codes and rare stones in a beautiful new jewellery collection
By Hannah Silver Published
-
FoundRae’s Dallas, Texas residency gains steam
Jewellery label FoundRae’s Dallas pop-up at The Conservatory in Highland Park Village combines medallions, charms and homeware alongside vintage objects
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Reed Krakoff ushers John Hardy jewellery into a new era, and refreshes its New York store
The ‘Spear’ jewellery collection riffs on John Hardy’s signature handwoven chain, while the boutique nods to the brand’s Balinese heritage
By Pei-Ru Keh Published