WWW.ARCHITECTURALDIGEST.COM
Thumas New SoHo Flagship Proves Good Design Is Good Hospitality
Presented by ThumaThe corner of Spring and Wooster in SoHo has seen a flurry of activity recently, as shoppers flock to a new generation of stylish showrooms (including the first-ever brick-and-mortar space for It brand Jacquemus). But last month, all eyes were on its neighbor, Thuma, as the chic home brand welcomed the design in-crowd to its new flagship at 99 Wooster for an evening of mingling and experiencing the companys warm, minimalist line IRL. Alex Hamilton, Thumas design and trade lead, played master of ceremonies alongside AD PRO associate director Lila Allen, with the pair touring designers through the airy environsand even, at times, getting hands-on with Thumas display of the brands signature Japanese joinery.AD PROs associate director Lila Allen and Thumas design and trade lead Alex Hamilton hosted the soiree.Sean SimeWith two floors of displayincluding pint-size, three-dimensional models of Thumas signature productsthe showroom offered ample space to explore the brands collection.Sean SimeThe store, Thumas inaugural flagship, is the brainchild of architect Stephan Wiemer, who rubbed elbows with attendees including Yaiza Armbruster, Kevin Greenberg, and Madelynn Ringo. Occupying a structure first erected in 1881 and landmarked five years ago, Thumas showroom goes far beyond the typical look-and-see approach of standard retail spaces, instead offering a serene place to gather, explore, and get inspired. Lending a helping hand in that endeavor are features like Cafe Thuma, a hospitality space serving French pastries and expertly brewed coffee (though on this particular evening, rosemary gimlets and sparkling wine were the drinks of choice), and an upstairs lounge where designers and their clients can explore material samples and discover reading materials aplenty. The brands partnership with Uprise Art meant that walls were decked out with arresting works too.Members of the AD PRO Directory toasted new Thuma arrivalssuch as the Essential Bedagainst the backdrop of the new store. In addition to offering a place to browse materials and products, the space showcases the construction of the brands most iconic wares (including the display of joinery on a wall on the ground floor, seen here).Sean SimeDanu Kennedy of Parts and Labor Design flips through the latest issue of AD during the event.Sean SimeThumas Essential Bed was in the spotlight at the event on the second floor, alongside other products from the brand.Sean SimeA material palette of bleached oak, polished concrete, and travertinea surface that is having a moment, according to ADs senior design editor Hannah Martinset an inviting backdrop for the evenings guests, who caught up about new ventures, shifts in operations models, recent travels, and products theyre loving now. Among them: the Essential Bed, which made quite the impression on the brands second floor. The low-profile platform bed, which is made from recycled rubber wood, embodies Thumas clean-lined, light-footprint approach to designan ethos that resonated throughout the showroom. During the festivities, guests also caught a sneak peek of Thumas new loungewear line, which arrives just in time for holiday gifting. (What better to go with a new bed than an bercozy robe?)Thuma is not just creating beautiful products, but also crafting spaces that inspire, connect, and invite calm, Hamilton noted in his remarks to guests, adding that Wiemers design was guided by the belief that good design is good hospitality. Staggered among the plush benches, interactive displays, and clean-lined surroundings, designers seemed to already be settling right in. Good hospitality, indeed.
0 Commentarii 0 Distribuiri 17 Views