Though the world may feel trapped in a cycle of doom and gloom, Los Angeles clothing company Madhappy is committed to optimism. In addition to offering cozy apparel collections, Madhappy publishes a magazine and funds a nonprofit foundation that both supports mental health awareness and research. Opened on June 7, its new flagship in New York’s Nolita neighborhood conjures the same spirit through design. Saturated in pastel hues, the bi-level 1,400-square-foot concept store was designed by the multidisciplinary Los Angeles–based studio PLAYLAB, as a place to gather, connect, and even share a meal while shopping.
Combining a storefront and cafe, the space fosters a richer visitor experience than traditional retail. “Throughout the store, we aimed to continue a concept of the L.A. flagship store design: creating spaces for conversation,” explained Jeff Franklin, a partner at PLAYLAB. On the ground floor, a custom curved sofa, with pebble-like cushions upholstered in a robin’s egg blue Knoll felt, offers a sharp visual contrast to the entirely Douglas fir-paneled cafe. From behind its linear bar, employees serve espresso, tea, baked goods, and cold-pressed juices from local eateries Sofreh and Toms Juice, as well as Japan-based cafe Hotel Drugs.
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