David Chipperfield's Valentino flagship store opens in New York
Fashion house Valentino's New York flagship store, with a grey Terrazzo interior by British architect David Chipperfield, has opened to shoppers (+ slideshow).
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
The 1,850-metre-square store for Valentino was designed by David Chipperfield Architects in the former Takashimaya Department Store at 693 Fifth Avenue.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
A new eight-storey facade has been added to the Postmodern building, originally designed by architects John Burgee and Philip Johnson.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
The black steel and aluminium elements are designed to echo Mies van der Rohe’s nearby Seagram Building.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
The lower levels contain the store and are clad with vertical brass bars and incorporate a lantern, a clock and the brand’s logo in the same material.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
Behind the frontage is an eight-metre atrium, which features a chunky sculptural staircase that doglegs up and then becomes a series of ramps to connect the three floors.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_13.jpg)
Grey Palladiana Terrazzo is used to clad surfaces throughout the interior to link the spaces.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
“The store concept combines old and new in order to generate a Palazzo atmosphere, steering away from the pure showroom and promoting a new architectural format in place of a more traditional retail boutique structure,” said a statement from Valentino.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
On the ground floor, bags are displayed on 39 shelves attached to a wall on one side, illuminated by brass lighting hung from the ceiling.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468c_1.jpg)
More accessories are presented on units in the centre of the floor, one in marble and another made from wood and glass, forming the brand’s largest accessories department worldwide.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
Womenswear is located on the first floor, broken up into different rooms to separate the types of merchandise.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
An area for menswear – the second to be found in Valentino’s US stores after San Francisco – is situated on the top level.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_15.jpg)
Oak shelving and hanging elements supported by polished brass fixtures are used to display the collection, along with marble plinths.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
"A series of pure volumes, such as the marble blocks and free standing marble columns, complete the architecture in a similar way to the ground level, where the new accessories concept is applied," said Valentino's statement.
![Valentino Flagship Store by David Chipperfield](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/09/Valentino_Flagship_Store_by_David_Chipperfield_dezeen_468_21.jpg)
David Chipperfield has also been appointed to redesign the east side of London department store Selfridges.