Calvin Klein, Paris Headquarters

We collaborated with artist Sterling Ruby to transform a 19th-century interior into the new Paris Headquarters for Calvin Klein, establishing the creative direction under Raf Simons in Europe.

Originally housing the Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs, the historic 1840’s cast iron structure is still visible in the supports of the vaulted ceilings that span over the 18,180 GSF-showroom expanse. Used to exclusively present the women’s and men’s seasonal runway collections in Paris, the two-floor space is an immersive environment.

Gallery-like installations of Ruby’s work include large objects suspended from the ceilings and his signature hand-painted splattered canvas wraps the entirety of the showroom as wallpaper. A reflective epoxy floor and the original cast-iron structure create a neutral gray backdrop, amplifying the intensity of the artwork and clothing, as well as the expanse of the space.

Wrapped with the same painted canvas, the mezzanine appears to float. Suspended above its dark blue carpet are smaller mobiles and sculptures punctuating displays of accessories elevated on pedestals. Two staircases were reconfigured entirely to create an elegant circulation between the lower level and mezzanine. In addition to these spaces, the project included back of house areas and a pantry.

Straightforward in programming, the design transformed a historic 1840s interior into a modern creative experience.

ARO has also designed spaces for Calvin Klein’s New York headquarters and Madison Avenue flagship.