Couture is a word primarily used within the context of fashion – and often abused due to rules so stringent that few can actually meet its standards – but with the opening of Bang & Olufsen’s new Manhattan Flagship showroom on Madison Avenue, it may soon apply to electronics. The makers behind the world’s first Cradle to Cradle certified speaker in the consumer electronics industry introduce another paradigm shift in the way customers can participate in the “future-proofing” of their product investment.
Situated within one of New York’s premiere shopping districts – and adjacent to Lexington Avenue’s renowned New York Design Center – is a grand, new retail location where the patron experience is made fully immersive in B&O’s extensive product portfolio. The 1,549-square-foot venue is loosely designed as an enfilade with three spaces demarcated in programing by sheer floor-to-ceiling curtains, a grid work of track lighting, and a rear glass enclosure. The clean lines and subtle earth tones of the interior design, as well as furnishings by Audo Copenhagen, are additional nods to the brand’s Danish heritage.
“It’s all about the marriage of artful design and music. Our new Madison Avenue home embodies our enduring commitment to the city, and is yet another milestone in our journey towards strengthening our Luxury, Timeless, Technology proposition,” Rick Costanzo, President of Bang & Olufsen Americas, says.
The understated architecture, space planning, and variety of displays act in unison to engineer transitions that move from the visibly public showroom upon entry, with a myriad of dazzling headphones and portable speakers, to intimate settings where visitors can experience more substantial products in the context of a home theater. The store terminates in an elegant glazed enclosure housing B&O’s proprietary bespoke experience where potential buyers have the unique opportunity to originate a one-of-a-kind product in dialogue with their taste and needs. It is furnished with Beolab 28 speakers in six unique colors for a jolt of inspiration.
Participating in the object’s customization imbues the artifact with meaning like that of an heirloom rather than a disposable product elevating the sense of ownership. With the guidance of B&O specialists, shoppers act as designers thumbing through trays of moodboards and material finishes in search of a color story that resonates. Unique compositions abound with over 100 fabric, aluminum, and wood options to choose from.
In addition to its traditional functions, the space will also play host to a series of immersive musical events enhancing the reach and echoing the success of B&O’s bustling SoHo showroom. “With a packed activity calendar, Bang & Olufsen of Madison Avenue will build upon our SoHo showroom’s rich heritage of celebrating the intersection of art and sound and give visitors the chance to experience – and customize – our iconic designs in-person,” Costanzo continues. Madison Avenue is still the place to be.
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