SO-IL, the Brooklyn-based architecture studio, has once again proven its prowess in creating innovative and thought-provoking spaces with its latest project: the Issey Miyake flagship store in New York City. This new store, located on Madison Avenue, marks a significant shift for the Japanese fashion brand, which previously occupied a space in Tribeca designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. The new location, with its clean, precise, and audacious design, reflects SO-IL's commitment to pushing the boundaries of architecture and design, much like Issey Miyake's approach to fashion and tailoring.
One of the most striking aspects of the store is its open interior volume, which mirrors the monumentality of the 34-storey New York Life building's limestone exterior. SO-IL co-founder Jing Liu described the atmosphere as "clean, precise, audacious," and this is evident in the careful integration of key elements within the space. For instance, a continuous aluminium rail spans across the grand arched windows, while giant studded-steel columns create a rhythm and symmetry for the perforated metal cases that house ceiling-mounted services and lighting. The majority of the floor area is left open, allowing the garments to take center stage and providing a fresh and dynamic shopping experience.
The design also focuses on the specific properties and technical aspects of each material used, with glass and aluminium as the main materials. Liu noted that the studio stretched what these materials could do, both visually and structurally, which is a philosophy that aligns with Issey Miyake's approach to clothing. This attention to detail and technical precision is a hallmark of SO-IL's work, and it is evident in the slender profile of the doglegged staircase that leads to a mezzanine level, where the treads and risers, paired with all-glass balustrades, create an almost weightless appearance.
The new store also features a gallery where SO-IL will present an exhibition of its material explorations and collaborations from September 2026. This is a testament to the studio's commitment to showcasing its own work and fostering a dialogue between architecture and design. The gallery will serve as a platform for SO-IL to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and design.
SO-IL's work on the Issey Miyake store is a perfect example of the studio's ability to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The design is a celebration of the brand's innovative and experimental approach to fashion and tailoring, and it is a space that will undoubtedly become a landmark in New York City. The store's clean, precise, and audacious design is a testament to SO-IL's talent and vision, and it is a space that will continue to inspire and captivate visitors for years to come.
