Can you agree with the statement that the only acceptable form of hoarding is book hoarding? The new Rizzoli flagship on Broadway and 26th epitomizes this idea with their new store windows, dressed by none other than Andre Leon Talley. Stacks of books piled in corners, on the floor and even featured on trays, like rare delicacies waiting to be plucked, provide a tempting scene, enhanced by the sartorially sound mannequins that border them.
The gorgeous St. James building is the new home of Rizzoli, with the bookstore taking up 5000 square feet of ground floor space. Location has always been important for Rizzoli, with their previous New York locations having as beautiful a façade as this one. The high-ceilinged spot possesses a skylight, perfect for highlighting the brass chandeliers that have been hallmarks of past Rizzoli bookstores. Custom made wallpaper of dazzlingly blue, cheerfully cloudy skies featuring brightly colored hot air balloons run above the bookcases to the ceiling. But if anything can steal the spotlight from the chandeliers and the wallpaper, it’s the cherry wood bookcases used to display their most precious cargo. In the window, books like Manolo Blahnik’s upcoming edition and the classic Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, both carefully selected by Talley, are flanked by Vivienne Westwood and Gucci-clad mannequins, who themselves are rendered in audacious red and vibrant blue colors. Also included in the storefront display is Frederick Douglass’ Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Madam Bovary by Flaubert, and Ta-Nehisi Coates’ books, all handpicked by Talley. It wouldn’t be enough to say that the tantalizing display invites you in – rather that it grabs your arm and pulls you in.
Rizzoli is famed for their exquisitely bound books on fashion, architecture, photography and more. This new store is the perfect backdrop to highlight the divine tomes. Patrons won’t be disappointed by the luxurious interior when shopping for their favorite Rizzoli-published classic, upcoming titles of which include a Cindy Crawford book, a new edition from Dior focusing on the New Look, and a photography book from Ryan McGinley.
The grand re-opening of the Rizzoli flagship store happens today, July 27th, at 1133 Broadway. Be sure to stop by and pick up a few new attractive books for your coffee table– if you’re not too distracted by the beautiful interior.