The sophisticated, precisely tailored clothing made by Tomorrowland (Tokyo) has been an obsession of its Japanese devotees since 1978. A label that distills Western classics into timeless, clean-lined fashions appealing to Eastern tastes, Tomorrowland applies the same aesthetic in its first U.S. flagship in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. Covering 3500 square feet of ground-level retail space – within a mixed-use development converted from a ’20s landmark – the store introduces its philosophy of elegance and originality to Manhattan’s urbane clientele.
“Our goal has always been to create clothes for the international market, and as we already have many overseas partners, expanding to the U.S. felt very natural,” says Tomorrowland Founder Hiroyuki Sasaki. “With strong identities and international views, Americans are not afraid of change and evolution. We are proud to introduce them to our distinctly Japanese quality and craftsmanship.”
This goes for the store’s interiors, too, which were designed in house by Tomorrowland. Aiming to preserve the building’s heritage features and capture the neighborhood’s personality, while also following the Japanese custom of honoring one’s roots, the design team struck a harmonious balance between the two cultures.
The boutique includes subtle touches of natural white oak and antique bronze furniture constructed in Japan. Contrasts of old and new reflect the area’s vibrant cultural mix: Original fluted columns were kept intact, and exposed brickwork and ducts speak to SoHo’s gritty past. At the same time, streamlined fixtures complement the contemporary clothing styles, and oak flooring inset with green and white striped carpet injects modern sleekness.
Coffered ceilings mimic the floorplan to define three shopping experiences. In the first, glass shelves display home accessories; the second holds men’s and women’s apparel; and the third showcases men’s suits. Used for occasional pop-up events and special occasions, the back section of the store features a listed skylight and, instilling a sense of lighthearted fun, a colorful painting by New York artist Julie Heffernan, from Sasaki’s private collection.
PROJECT SUPPLIERS
Retail and Design,
Tomorrowland, Tokyo: Hiroyuki Sasaki, designer and founder; Kazuhisa Sho, store design manager; Hiroko Sakurai, U.S./New York director.
Architect of Record
TPG Architecture, New York
General Contractor
Michilli Inc., New York
Fixtures
Nomura Co. Ltd., Tokyo
Ceilings
Armstrong, Lancaster, Pa.
Mannequins
Proportion London, London
Signage and Graphics
Signs of Success, Santa Maria, Calif.
Lighting
Endo Lighting Corp., Osaka-shi, Japan