Christian Louboutin 38th Street Showroom

212box’s collaboration with luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin on the company’s New York showroom has produced a space that is both functional and chic. Designed and built on a demanding schedule in order to open in time for New York market week (the entire construction schedule was only one month), the showroom is a collection of found objects – furnishings and other items that Christian Louboutin has collected over the years – all orchestrated, arranged and made cohesive by 212box’s concept for the space.

Located in a turn-of-the-century industrial building in New York’s garment district, the 3,000-square-foot showroom consists of a spacious lobby, handbag and shoe display areas, a sales office, press office, office space and two conference areas.

Found wrought iron gates delineate the entrance to the showroom from the elevator. Facing the elevator and evident immediately upon entering, is the lobby’s crisp white wall featuring a supersized and highly graphic Louboutin logo – in the company’s signature bright red – and furniture from Christian Louboutin’s personal collection. Behind the reception desk and down the hallway, 212box created a feature wall of leaves that Christian had collected in Cairo, which were pressed, dried and framed. 

The offices and display areas are separated by stained glass panels created by Robert Somers for the American Airlines terminal at John F. Kennedy Airport – that 212box found in a salvage shop – as well as antique stained-glass windows and large, brass doors – also vintage and reclaimed for this space.  Throughout the handbag and shoe areas, 212box’s signature, red rolling storage for Louboutin and custom mirrored millwork maximizes and consolidates the storage and display space. 

The result is a highly personal and efficient space – one that reflects the interests and collections of founder and designer Christian Louboutin – while providing a beautiful and glamorous backdrop for the viewing of the company’s products.