New Store Combines Architectural Preservation With Contemporary Retail Design
Issey Miyake has opened a new flagship store on the ground floor of the Cass Gilbert-designed New York Life Building, positioned at the corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Street facing Madison Square Park. The retail space measures 13,000 square feet and was developed by New York-based architecture firm Solid Objectives Idenburg Liu, incorporating elements of both modern construction and the building’s historic structure.
The interior spans two levels and centers around a transparent staircase made from large-format structural glass, engineered and fabricated with precision. Original Beaux-Arts architectural features of the building have been left visible and paired with newly installed aluminum and stainless-steel fixtures. The combination introduces a contrast between older structural elements and updated industrial materials. Large windows on three sides of the store allow natural light to enter and provide views of Madison Square Park and nearby buildings.
Within the space, a titanium panel is displayed, referencing the relationship between Frank Gehry and Issey Miyake. Materials from the brand’s former Tribeca flagship have also been repurposed, with glass wall panels converted into tables used for accessories and folded garments, aligning with ongoing efforts toward material reuse.
At the back of the store, a gallery space called Mado has been introduced. The area will feature rotating exhibitions, collaborations, and special projects throughout the year. As the first gallery of its kind within an Issey Miyake store outside Japan, Mado—meaning “window” in Japanese—serves as a platform to present the brand’s design approach and connect with a wider art and design audience.
To mark the opening, the store will offer a selection of items available exclusively at the Madison Avenue location. These include the Folding Coat, a limited-edition piece featuring a hand-pressed Rakkan of Issey Miyake, the Unbound Hat made from abaca fiber, and Shade and Shaded_NY, a pleated collection consisting of two dresses, a skirt, and a top produced specifically for the launch.
A campaign released alongside the opening highlights the exclusive Shade and Shaded_NY dress and Folding Coat, incorporating imagery of New York-related objects such as an apple, a martini, and a yellow taxi. The visuals accompany the brand’s introduction of the new flagship store to the city.
