Retail Renovation of the Year: SKIMS

BEFORE

Project Scope: Shapewear and intimates brand Skims began as an online entity, initially driven by the fame of its co-founder, Kim Kardashian. Yet as the brand grew with glowing reviews, Skims launched a series of temporary pop-up shops throughout 2024 and began selling its goods through exclusive retail partnerships, like Nordstrom (Seattle), Saks Fifth Avenue (New York) and Bloomingdale’s (New York), to name a few. To truly prove its staying power as more than a social media fad, Skims opened its first permanent flagship in Dec. 2024 – and it had a lot to live up to, not least because of its home in a historic building on Fifth Avenue, once occupied by Versace (Milan) and located next door to the iconic Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion. With a lead design by Architect Rafael de Cárdenas (New York), and architecture firm RDC (Long Beach, Calif.) serving as Architect of Record, the renovation drastically and thoughtfully transformed the 6570-square-foot space to reflect Skims’ brand values and “to let the product stand out and become the design centerpiece,” says James Botha, Senior Project Architect, RDC.

Unique Challenges: Setting up shop in a building that’s more than a century old created some hurdles: As a certified historic landmark, modifications were subject to intensive reviews to preserve the building’s legacy. The electrical and mechanical systems required upgrades to meet current codes and provide an adjustable climate for both customers and staff. The store spans three levels, lending to lengthy discussions and revisions that led to a seamless, modern experience that “successfully conveyed the brand message and provided a welcoming atmosphere for the customer,” says Botha.

AFTER

Unique Characteristics: Skims’ monolithic design aesthetic of soft minimalism is essential to its brand, and it needed to be translated into a physical manifestation. Shoppers are greeted at the interior entrance by a 15-foot-tall sculpture by British artist Vanessa Beecroft that anchors the entire design. Rounded-edge walls and fixtures emphasize the brand’s values of body comfort and inclusivity, and the Corian displays and neutral color palette enhance tonal cohesion across multiple floors. The mezzanine level provides open views, and fitting rooms feature wraparound mirrors and soft lighting for a confidence-boosting environment. A milestone for Skims, the flagship design was driven by Kardashian, according to Botha, who is “a disciplined visionary that is involved in every aspect of the design. Her minimalist aesthetic and monochromatic preference is prevalent throughout the space. Rafael de Cárdenas brought the vision to life with its softly curved and seamless surfaces.”

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