Iconic menswear designer Joseph Abboud has enlisted award-winning luxury retail designers Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates (JHA) to create his first free-standing retail store, set to open in Manhattan on March 27th, 2015. Located at 424 Madison Avenue, the 4,300 square foot space will be a modern, American interpretation of a classic Savile Row shop, staying true to Joseph Abboud’s sophisticated brand and design aesthetic. “In considering an architect for the launch of Joseph Abboud retail, Jeffrey was the natural choice given his track record in creating successful luxury menswear retail locations that have a sense of place.” says Abboud. “It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with him on reintroducing the Joseph Abboud brand, showcasing the full collection in an engaging environment.”

Inspired by Abboud’s “New American” design sensibility, Jeffrey has imagined a captivating retail space that is representational of classic Joseph Abboud suiting fabrics. Through layering multiple textures within the space, such as rich wall coverings in grey Manila hemp, cream herringbone and taupe raw silk paired with gray washed oak and bronze metal along with highlighting crafted details such as hammered steel and stitched leather table tops, Hutchison has created a warm and rich space that truly captures the brand identity. Hinting at what is to unfold once inside, the existing exterior of the building was restored to match the Abboud brand; Hutchinson’s team altered the facade color to stone brown, added grey tweed fabric awnings and refurbished the pre-existing bronze metal storefronts.

Upon entering the first floor, which features apparel and accessories, the customer’s eyes are drawn to a dramatic 15-foot tall Venetian plaster vaulted ceiling, lit with brass and hand blown glass chandeliers. Large brass pendant lights hang down, illuminating an iron staircase at the center of the store. Traveling up the staircase, the customer reaches the mezzanine floor and is greeted with the Joseph Abboud Custom clothing experience, which overlooks the entire space. Here, customers will encounter a wall of over 250 of the finest Italian fabrics on oversized swatches displayed on specially-made bronze hooks. A custom specialist will help customers choose from options including suit silhouette, fabric, lining, pick stitching and functioning button holes.

The store features thoughtful residential touches throughout which aim to enhance the consumer experience inclusive of area rugs, limestone busts and round decorative mirrors. In addition, there are framed pieces of hand- drawn charcoal artwork measuring 34″ x 45″ with a vintage feel by Bill Rancitelli of Joseph Abboud designs. “Joseph’s designs are rooted in a classic approach, but with modern updates and surprises,” says Hutchison. “The longer you study his clothes the more you become aware of the thought and craft he has invested into them. We wanted to design a store that felt the same way.”

Design: Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates
Photography: Adrian Wilson

About Jeffrey Hutchison:
Over the past 25 years Jeffrey Hutchison has exclusively worked in the fashion retail architecture and design arena. His specialized experience has attained him a distinguished level of excellence in the industry. Hutchison¹s reputation is matched by his client portfolio which includes a broad array of creative projects from established global retail companies to emerging lifestyle brands and designers including, Barneys New York, IPPOLITA, Saks Fifth Avenue, Façonnable, Shinsegae, Bloomingdale’s, Ralph Lauren, Narciso Rodriguez and Donna Karan.

About Joseph Abboud:
Since the age of sixteen, Joseph Abboud has been passionate about fashion. He started his career in menswear at Louis of Boston and later Polo Ralph Lauren. In 1987, Joseph Abboud launched his own eponymous label. Shortly after its debut, Abboud was accorded numerous honors including the distinction of being the only designer to have received the coveted Menswear Designer of the Year twice in a row (1989 & 1990) from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Other awards and honors include The Cutty Sark Award for Most Promising Menswear Designer in 1988, the first Woolmark Award for Distinguished Fashion in 1989 and again in March of 1993.

Abboud joined Men’s Wearhouse (NYSE: MW) as its Chief Creative Director in December 2012. Abboud was reunited with his namesake brand in August 2013 when Men’s Wearhouse acquired JA Holding Inc., the parent company of the celebrated American clothing brand, Joseph Abboud. Abboud re-launched his label, reestablishing the brand as a sophisticated modern-American lifestyle collection. The Joseph Abboud designer collection launched in October 2014 on JosephAbboud.com and is now available at the Joseph Abboud Flagship Store in New York City.