Printemps New York Review: Extravagant Shops, Beautiful Rooms & Elegant Dining
There is a new je ne sais quoi blooming in Manhattan. Printemps New York is a place where history, design, and fashion rendezvous beneath a copper-green crown of a landmark Art Deco building at One Wall Street, a historic bank in the Financial District. Printemps Haussmann, Paris’ premier luxury retail department store and flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann since 1865, recently opened its second location in the heart of New York City’s bustling financial district. Check out my Printemps New York review below.
This renowned retailer brings a curated collection of both classic and contemporary French style to America’s fashion capital. On a recent visit to NYC, I was on a quest to experience all that this famous French style icon has to offer. Consider this your printemps shopping guide; what I found was simply magnifique!
Printemps Haussmann, Paris
Printemps NYC Design: A French Villa in the Heart of Manhattan
Upon arrival at Printemps New York, uniformed door attendants welcomed me with smiles and a nod, ushering me into a space that felt more like an art gallery or private villa, rather than a typical department store. The store’s spaces, designed by Laura Gonzalez, are distinctive shopping environments, each with its distinct French charm and personality, just like the beautiful arrondissements of Paris.
The Playroom
On the main floor, The Playroom welcomes shoppers with a collection of casual apparel, accessories, and curated gifts from France. A summer pop-up display of mariniere-striped apparel by the 136-year-old French brand, Saint James, brightened a corner looking out to Wall Street.
The Sneaker Room
Also on the main floor, The Sneaker Room’s LED screen ceiling draws guests in to a dynamic gallery of active footwear. During my visit, Nike promoted the release of its exclusive Nike x Printemps Cortez shoe.
The Salon
Inspired by Printemps Haussmann’s rotunda in Paris, this room features floral columns, carpets, and frescoes surrounding a casual collection of women’s ready-to-wear and accessories.
Garconniere
This decadent, maximalist room invites stylish male shoppers in with its blush-colored walls, pink curtains, and cascading chandeliers that resemble flowing flamingo feathers. Here, a curated collection of contemporary and vintage designer threads brings French Guy Style to the heart of the Big Apple.
The Red Room
A breathtaking room that envelopes guests in red ombré and gold mosaic tiles that sparkle across its soaring ceilings and walls. Here, shoppers can explore Printemps’ Magic Shoe Forest amidst 15-foot-tall metal lighted sculptures, which are intricately cut to resemble delicate pieces of floating lace.
The Boudoir
As mannequins watch over shoppers from brushed gold pedestals, the Boudoir Room showcases Printemps’ haute couture, evening wear, vintage apparel, and fine jewelry collections in this luxurious Boudoir.
Sale de Bain
This brightly lit makeup studio in the beauty department, fit for a celebrity, invites guests to discover the latest in makeup products, colors, and techniques. Makeup artists are standing by to create stunning looks for stylish New York days and vibrant nights. Customized facials are also available for men and women by appointment.
Apothecary
Curved niches with Printemps green tiles showcase French fragrances and beauty products in this beauty department. Scents can be blended and customized for each guest as well.
B
eauty Corridor
A mesmerizing white tunnel leads guests past rows of sculpted tables that showcase the best in skin and body care from around the world, including French pharmacy favorites and exclusive products available nowhere else in the USA.
Printemps NYC Aesthetics: An Ode to Parisian Pride
The Aesthetic? A true Joie de vivre. I am awestruck by Printemps New York’s marble and mosaic floors, warm-colored walls, custom lighting, adorned ceilings, and golden brass accents, all envisioned by interior designer Laura Gonzalez. The collection of chandeliers draped from ceilings throughout the store is breathtaking. Whether it is a reproduction of a vintage crystal masterpiece or a sculptural glass marvel, Printemps’ lighting is on a runway of its own. Printemps’ architecture artfully blends old-world opulence, including Art Nouveau influences, with contemporary flair to create an immersive multisensory world.
Vignettes throughout the store are inspired by French gardens and lifestyles. White and Black mannequin forms, resembling mid-century Vogue magazine illustrations, pose like models in each room. They are perched above staircases, tucked into alcoves, even floating on brushed gold ledges high above guests like Parisian angels.
French Impressions: An Artistic Gallery of French Creativity in Printemps NYC
The entrance to Printemps featured an art installation by French artist Christian Pellizzari. The exhibition, Odyssey of Nature’s Rebirth, features tall Murano glass flowers raising up from faux rocks, drawing you in to a new world (or I should say, country). Throughout Printemps, many renowned artists display their work amidst the retailer’s coveted collection of fashion and beauty.
In the Grand Foyer and Salon, Maria (Taehyoung) Jeon brought printed flora works to the windows.
David Roma created large-scale frescoes of sweeping florals and vines that line the Salon.
Belgian artist Charles Kaisin crafted a flock of shimmering golden origami-like birds suspended above the Salon windows.
At the Champagne Bar, William Coggin created a ceramic-clad façade that evokes the look and feel of sea coral.
Pierre Marie crafted a series of stained-glass windows and panels for the Red Room Bar and Maison Passerelle.
Art Deco artist Hildreth Meiere created sculptural walls that sparkle with over three million red and gold mosaic tiles for the Red Room.
A mosaic “river” winds its way from the Red Room to the Red Room Bar, designed by Pierre Mesguiche, creating a playful spin on the past and future of Paris and New York.
The Fashionable French: Living The Lifestyle in Printemps
Printemps features almost 200 French brands and designer labels throughout the store. Renowned designer names such as Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, and Christian Louboutin are artfully positioned next to contemporary designers such as Lemaire, Jacquemus, Isabel Marant, and AMI offering exquisite designer threads.
As the French are famous for their penchant to accessorize, jewelry, handbags, and shoes are featured alongside apparel throughout the store for inspiration.
In the Beauty Room, shoppers discover classic French brands, such as Clarins and Guerlain, alongside La Mer and La Roche-Posay. Cosmetic enthusiasts can find the latest colors and concepts from YSL, Chanel, Lancome, Dior, and many more.
From Cafes to Carts: A Taste of French Flavors at Printemps NYC
Printemps New York offers several bistros and bars throughout the store where guests can relax and savor the flavors of France, from French pastries to wine, fresh seafood, and champagne, through its innovative dining concepts.
Cafe Jalu
A patisserie, juice, and coffee bistro that sets the bar for French pastries and pressed coffees.
Salon Vert
A cozy corner cafe with green all tiles and hand painted floors, offers fresh seafood, bites, and a full cocktail bar with signature French cocktails, wines, and champagnes, including gluten-free options.
The Red Room Bar
An intimate cocktail bar located next to the Red Room serving crafted cocktails and snacks while guests peruse Printemps’ collection of gifts, home decor, and art.
Maison Passerelle
Fine dining featuring classic French fare infused with French Creole influences by Chef Gregory Gourdet, served in an opulent space surrounded by large-scale frescoes and stained glass art as part of these distinctive dining concepts.
As guests explore the charming rooms of Printemps, they will also discover quaint champagne carts with servers scattered throughout. Nearby, plush seating invites guests to relax, sip, and enjoy the stylish Parisian ambiance. Sante!
Printemps NYC Wine Shop: Spirits From French Terroir
Prefer to enjoy a taste of France at home? Just next door, through a separate entrance, awaits the cozy Printemps Wine Shop. Designed like a classic French wine cave with a touch of Parisian sophistication, the space gleams with sparkling bottles displayed against Printemps iconic green tile.
Here, guests can explore a curated collection of French wines and champagnes, small-batch whiskies, aged cognacs, and artisanal brandies. Every bottle tells a story, sourced from passionate, small-to-medium-sized producers who bring the spirit of France to every pour.
Cultural Creativity: A Celebration of French Art & Heritage at NYC’s Printemps
Printemps doesn’t just sell French design, it celebrates the country’s renowned culture through a variety of artistic installations, merchandise pop-ups, and special events. In addition to celebrating French events, such as Paris Fashion Week and Bastille Day, the store offers a robust schedule of new collection launches, pop-up displays, art exhibitions, fashion shows, wine tastings, and mixology demos.
I especially enjoyed browsing their witty collection of French gift items, which are truly one of a kind. From quirky NYC souvenirs to stationery, candles to signature snow globes, each item brings a bit of French whimsy and style to every home.
Final Thoughts: Why Printemps NYC Feels Like a Passport to Paris
Wandering through this gallery of Parisian culture and couture in these unique shopping environments, I realized this is a place for more than shopping. It’s a place to be transported into the heritage and style of France. It’s where culture meets couture.
The associates are genuinely friendly and welcoming. Photography is permitted, so visitors can commemorate their magnificent Parisian shopping experience.
Printemps has succeeded in blending its French fashion legacy with contemporary New York luxury. It will always be changing and blooming with new designs, art, events, and fashion. A seasonal visit to Printemps brings French culture, creative visuals, luxury merchandise, and a breath of fresh air to New York’s fashion world. That, along with a chilled glass of French bubbles, is all this writer needs to toast La belle vie at Printemps NYC!
Love the artisan items featured in this post, but can’t make the trip yourself? Visit our SHOP to discover similar handcrafted items made by local artisans, delivered straight to your door! I also share my favorite workshops, tours, and classes that turn global travel into a hands-on, unforgettable experience.
