Text, Images-Judith Ecochard
June 17th – Mid-Town Manhattan
One has to have the “A” team going all full court press with a solid business plan to make one’s retail mark-even in the tourist-clogged streets of New York.
We dropped in on a new establishment last night - STUDIO MIX (127 Madison Avenue) -with a savvy merchandise mix that should capture curious passerby-ers, those with limited time to shop… AND a sophisticated clientele that appreciates seasoned editorial eyes and quality work crafted by global artisans.
Simply put-this is definitely the unusual in home décor.
We let go a loooooong exhale as we entered the plush earthy sanctuary of Studio Mix that’s part retail establishment (ground level), part full staff design service for clued in decorators and architects.
The calm emporium is softly lit by magnificent wood and metal sconces lighting fixtures-that are unique to the store and custom manufactured in far flung locales like northern Morocco. Obviously Studio Mix is way MORE than you typical chi-chi Eastside shop that frankly, elicits our collective YAWNs.
(We won't even mention the names of the cookie cutter big box chains)
No surprise to us- the proprietor David Casey, a congenial Irishman from Wexford, (with partner Lezly Zamor) travels the globe for inspiration, materials, stylish furniture that’s often custom designed and commissioned, one off textiles and rugs… and ‘odd’ pieces-to stock their eclectic establishment.
Think along the lines of those glorious world tours that the privileged embarked on in the late 19th century, shipping the marvelous and the curious back to their main estates.
“I believe in decorating eclectically-from around the world,” Casey remarks as we admire two oversized mirrors framed by exotic camel bone.
“I go to Morocco all the time,” which explains the Arabesque theme of many table objects, oversized metal chandeliers, and refreshed Islamic floral and paisley patterned fabrics.
We appreciate the just perfect size of the space itself-well outfitted but not overwhelming…and inviting. We even lingered long after our interview with Casey, to admire the luxurious “specimens.”
INFO: Studio Mix