There have been so many exciting shows, events and parties this fashion week. One of my favorites was touring the new Tory Burch boutique at 797 Madison Avenue and meeting its designer Daniel Romualdez (no website). He admitted that he is a little publicity shy when it comes to himself but was kind enough to chat with me about working with Tory and the new store. Daniel Romualdez is primarily a residential interior designer but when Tory was working on her first boutique at the same time that he was working on her apartment, she asked him for advice. The rest as they say, is history. Much of the Madison Avenue store references her own apartment and includes her signature orange but with he said that each new store is an opportunity to do something different as the context dictates. The Malibu store is beachy but still feels very Tory Burch and the Madison Avenue store uses a new color that keeps the brand moving forward. The pale green room was absolutely gorgeous in person and the Madeleine Castaing rug is floral but continues the graphic pattern that is also part of the Tory aesthetic.
Daniel said that working with Tory is a pleasure to work with and she is completely unflappable. She knows how to work with a professional by giving direction but the process is very collaborative. They look at inspirational photos and antiques and the lighting fixtures were one of the elements that started off the room schemes. Of course, it's not just Tory and Daniel who work on the stores. It takes a large team that clearly work well together. There are five floors and each room is a little jewel box in the larger whole. I especially love all the brass details and mirrored surfaces. They made some of the rooms a little difficult to photograph so I highly suggest a visit. When you do, you might just see me hanging out. I definitely wouldn't mind living in this gorgeous store and when I buy a townhouse someday, I'm definitely calling Daniel Romualdez to design it.
Because I took so many photos, I've split them into two posts. You can also click on any photo to enlarge it.
Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic