BARNEYS: GOODBYES AND GOOD BUYS
There have been a fair share of fashion farewells over the years, but none seem as gut-wrenching as saying “goodbye” to Barneys New York. As the iconic department store prepares to close (most of) its doors, I wanted to take a look back at the groundbreaking retailer’s impact on the landscape of the entire industry.
For me, it’s important to note that Barney’s hired a residential designer to do the store - noting the intimate nature of the department store and the dressing process. For this reason, I think Barney’s displays have had a direct impact on the aspirations of closet design! The scale and materials used in the store are something shoppers can easily imagine in their own homes, and come to me to implement. They want to bring this luxury shopping experience home with them!
Not only has Barneys been a platform for emerging designers, a pioneering influence in steering the direction of fashion and a destination for in-the-know cool kids, it revolutionized store design, pushing the boundaries of conventional department store design with its negative space layout, nuanced fixtures and displays, boundary-breaking window displays and inventive installations that fused fashion and art. When I think of Barneys I think about it being the first big retailer to foster collaborations and popups, and how that set in motion so many other famous fashion moments over the years.
Barneys was, and will remain, a huge design inspiration for me and the world of luxury closet design. To nurse my nostalgic wounds I wanted to share some of my favorite finds from the store’s closing sale:
Let’s start with the home. There are tons of great deals on everything from bedding to books and home fragrances to flatware. If you have a love affair with acrylic furniture like me, this Kartell Louis Ghost Chair is a fantastic find that can work in a closet or elsewhere. Adorn it with this Missoni Wipptal Jacquard Pillow or this Alexander McQueen Skull-Motif Wool Throw to add some softness. I have a penchant for brass and storage boxes, so this Ginger Brown Shagreen & Brass Box seems like a worthy investment that merges form and function. Designer coffee table books are rarely discounted, so glad I discovered this beautiful Assouline Dior by Gianfranco Ferré Book (it makes a good gift, too!).
There are countless clothing pieces on sale, including designers that almost never get a price cut. This Balenciaga Moto Jacket is a classic and goes with just about everything, plus it’s one of the designer’s signature styles. Looking for the perfect year-round knit? Snag this Chloe Cashmere Crewneck Sweater that’s in the best neutral shade. I’m drawn to pretty much everything Zimmermann designs and this Honour Striped & Chevron Linen Maxi Dress effortlessly goes from day to night, work to vacay. If you’re a fan of stylish shorts like me, these Balmain Button-Detailed Cotton High-Rise Shorts are a glam option for showing off your gams. And, I may have found the best blouse of all time with this Nili Lotan Royan Polka Dot one.
This post wouldn’t be complete without including some incredible accessories. I absolutely adore Jennifer Meyer and these Four-Bezel Chain Drop Earrings may be one of her best creations ever! Possibly my favorite footwear designer, Gianvito Rossi stole my heart with these Carlyle Patent Leather Ankle-Strap Sandals. I can’t believe my eyes -- these Oliver Peoples X The Row Georgica Sunglasses are the puuurfect cat-eye shape and a great price for possibly the coolest collaboration ever. There are hundreds of handbags on discount; this Saint Laurent Niki Large Leather Shopping Bag looks like the perfect size and will stand the test of time. I love Janessa Leone hats and her Kenton Straw Boater offers a rare opportunity to swoop up one of her signature straw head-toppers at a mind-blowing price.
