Wishlist is designed for teens and women who worship fashion - particularly hip, contemporary, up-to-the-minute trends.
Creating a temple for those shoppers is a modern and whimsical store environment, designed by Glen & Co./Glen Coben Architecture & Design (New York), that sets a reverent tone to belly-baring jeans, miniskirts and short shorts at the retailer's second store in Greenwich, Conn.
Quotes by women ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt to Tori Amos create a frieze on the walls that aims to both inspire and educate. Further supporting the temple theme are merchandise supports shaped to resemble a woman's figure. Inspired by Rome's Pantheon, where caryatids support the roof of the temple's portico, these modern "goddesses" support shelving for merchandise.
The store's neutral palette, including end-grain maple woods, white walls and stainless-steel custom merchandise tables, allow the colorful fashions to stand out. Black chaise sofas near the fitting rooms provide a place for rest and reflection. (integral)
Client: Wishlist, Greenwich, Conn. - Carla Strobel, Suzanne Zarilli, owners
Design: Glen & Co./Glen Coben Architecture & Design, New York - Glen Coben, principal-in-charge; Joy Cardillo, Ron Deschamps, project team
Outside Design Consultant: Dogsname.com, Westport, Conn. (graphic design)
General Contractor: Bronx Builders, Bronx, N.Y.
Suppliers: Maharam, New York (sofas); Kravet, New York (draperies); Bronx Builders, Bronx, N.Y., ALU, New York (fixturing); Munrod Custom Upholstery, Mount Vernon, N.Y. (furniture); Dogsname.com, Westport, Conn. (graphics); Champion Lighting Supply, Mount Vernon, N.Y. (lighting); Marty Signs, Westport, Conn. (quotes and awning)
Photography: Tim Lee, New Milford, Conn.