Cosmetics are often thought of as impulse purchases, and because they provide a tremendous source of profit for department stores, one can usually find them in the center of a store, directly in the line of incoming traffic. Bergdorf Goodman probably would have used this conventional placement for its new cosmetics department, but for lack of space, decided to break the rules and revamp the basement instead.
Toronto's Yabu Pushelberg designed the 15,000-square-foot cosmetics department, called Level of Beauty. It features a light, neutral palette, internally illuminated glass displays, sandblasted fixtures and bright ambient lighting — all defying the basement appearance.
To break-up the large space and provide a more intimate atmosphere, designers divided the sales floor into zones, including a flower shop and fragrance room. Soon a nail spa and optical center will help fill the space.
Design: Yabu Pushelberg, Toronto — George Yabu, creative director; Glenn Pushelberg, managing partner; Kevin Storey, project manager; Polly Chan, lead designer; Gary Chan, Mary, Mark and Christina Gustavs, design team; Tony Teh, technical leader; Minh Duong, Reg Andrade and Ayako Kawafuchi, technical team
Construction Manager: Sweet Construction Co., New York
Lighting Consultant: Cooley Monato Studio, New York
Finishes: Fresco Decorative Painting, New York; and Moss & Lam, Toronto
Flooring: Sullivan Source, Toronto (wood flooring); Elte Carpets, Toronto (custom carpet); Enmar Natural Stone, Scarborough, Ont. (stone)
Leather: Blackstock Leather, Aurora, Ont.
Lighting: Atelier Mecibah, Brasschaat, Belgium; and Luminary Tool, Brooklyn, N.Y. (custom fixtures)
Millwork: Pancor Industries Ltd., Mississauga, Ont.; and Unique Store Fixtures, Concord, Ont.
Seating: Louis Interiors, Toronto
Tester Units: IDMD Design & Mfg., Toronto
Photography: David Joseph, New York