printemps new york to open with fantastical interiors by laura gonzalez

experimental retail concept arrives at one wall street

If Printemps Paris is a grand cathedral of retail, its newly unveiled New York concept is a bold, transatlantic reinterpretation — less sacred, more subversive. Forget the grand staircases of Boulevard Haussmann. Here, visitors step through One Wall Street’s Art Deco bronze doors into a fantastical playground informed by experimentation and New York City heritage.

Designed by architect Laura Gonzalez, the 55,000-square-foot space spans two floors, weaving together retail, hospitality, dining, and curated experiences in an ever-evolving environment. Just in time for spring, Printemps New York is set to open its doors to the public on Friday, March 21st, 2025.

images © Gieves Anderson for Printemps New York

printemps: ‘not a department store’

Printemps introduces its retail concept to New York’s evolving Financial District. Curated by architect Laura Gonzalez, the 55,000-square-foot space spans two floors and integrates retail, hospitality, dining, and curated experiences in an adaptable layout.

To unify the landmark Art Deco One Wall Street building with its 1960s modern glass-and-metal extension, Printemps enlists Laura Gonzalez for her ability to blend traditional and contemporary design. ‘We were very inspired by the heritage of Printemps — the mosaics, the stained glass, the patterns, the original art — but this is in New York,’ Gonzalez explains. ‘It’s a new story. It’s a city where everything is possible.’

the Red Room occupies the former Bank of New York entrance with its original 1920s red ombré and gold mosaic

parisian art nouveau meets new york art deco

Gonzalez modernizes classic materials and pioneers new ones throughout the interiors of Printemps New York. Classic oak floors are inlaid with natural stone, vintage-style Art Nouveau tiles reinterpret historic motifs, and what appears to be marble tabletops are actually compressed recycled plastic from the fashion industry. The store’s furniture, crafted entirely from upcycled materials, marks a first for large-scale retail design. Antique pieces sourced from French flea markets further enhance sustainability efforts.

The so-called Red Room occupies the former Bank of New York entrance with its 33-foot ceilings and original 1920s Hildreth Meière red ombré and gold mosaic. To preserve the historic walls, Gonzalez devised an independent ‘forest of flowers’ made from ecological resin, designed specifically for this project. ‘Constraints bring creativity,’ says Gonzalez. ‘In the Red Room, we couldn’t attach anything to the walls, so we created freestanding structures that enhance, rather than disrupt, the space.’

Laura Gonzalez merges Art Deco heritage with modern design at One Wall Street

The retail experience unfolds through ten uniquely designed sections, each offering its own identity while maintaining cohesion. The Broadway entrance leads to the Playroom, a vibrant, multi-colored marble space housing casualwear, gifts, and the all-day Café Jalu. The Sneaker Room, featuring an LED ceiling installation, offers a futuristic shopping experience, while the Salon, with its intricate wood flooring and floral textiles, sets the stage for women’s ready-to-wear and accessories.

The design incorporates works from international artists and studios. Paris-based Studio Pierre Marie reimagines Printemps’ stained-glass legacy with a modern approach, while Brooklyn sculptor William Coggin creates an organic, coral-inspired bar counter and French artist Charles Kaisin contributes an intricate bird installation to The Salon.

sustainable innovation defines the space with recycled plastic and upcycled antique furniture

The Boudoir, a focal point for evening wear, vintage clothing, and fine jewelry, features opulent double-height ceilings, warm moon-gold metal cladding, and Atelier Maury’s cracked lacquer screens. An adjacent pink marble staircase leads to the cozy, ground-level Red Room Bar, designed with rich red jasper marble and stained glass to create an intimate ambiance.

Printemps’ fine dining concept, Maison Passerelle, blends Parisian and New York influences with hand-painted tiles, floral plaster bas-reliefs, and an Art Nouveau mosaic floor. The restaurant features a large stained-glass window by Pierre Marie and a fresco created using AI-generated images of sunsets from former French colonies, which Gonzalez transformed into a mural executed by Atelier Roma.

the Playroom has a vibrant marble entry while the Sneaker Room brings an LED-immersive experience

This opening marks a significant evolution in retail design as historic preservation is merged with forward-thinking sustainability and adaptability. ‘What we have created in New York physically embodies our core values of innovation and perpetual renewal,’ says Printemps Group CEO Jean-Marc Bellaiche. ‘It forges a lasting connection between New York and Paris, between Printemps and the city.’