We sat down to talk about the creative tensions between New York and Paris, the emotional power of design and the quiet luxuries that shape the future of retail

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Interview: Laura Gonzalez, Architect of Printemps NYC

We sat down to talk about the creative tensions between New York and Paris, the emotional power of design and the quiet luxuries that shape the future of retail

Mike Tommasiello

7 April 2025

When Printemps, the legendary Parisian department store, decided to cross the Atlantic and plant roots in New York City, the task of translating its 150-year legacy into a modern retail experience fell to interior designer Laura Gonzalez. Known for her romantic yet daring sensibility, Gonzalez has built a career on spaces that feel both timeless and alive. For the brand’s debut U.S. flagship in the heart of the Financial District, she was asked to do more than design a store—she was asked to evoke a feeling. The result is a space where Parisian elegance meets Manhattan edge, and where heritage is not preserved behind glass but reimagined with boldness and grace.

We sat down with Gonzalez to talk about the creative tensions between two cities, the emotional power of design, and the quiet luxuries that shape the future of retail.

Laura, Printemps is a Parisian icon. What was your first instinct when tasked with translating that heritage into a space on Wall Street?

Ah, Printemps is truly a symbol of Paris—of elegance, of history, of that certain joie de vivre. My first instinct was not to copy Paris, but to carry its soul across the ocean. I wanted to create a space that whispers of its heritage rather than shouting it. For me, it was about reinterpreting the codes of Printemps—the light, the curves, the textures—through the lens of New York’s energy.

Parisian energy is so distinct—chic, effortless, a little rebellious. How did you bottle that spirit and pour it into the bones of this new store?

Yes, there is always a bit of rebellion in the Parisian chic—an elegant nonchalance. I infused this spirit by playing with contrasts: soft velvets against raw stone, vintage pieces beside modern design. There are unexpected moments—like a classical motif reimagined in bold color—that feel a little mischievous, like a wink. It is not about perfection, but about creating emotion and surprise.

New York and Paris speak different design languages. How did you navigate that cultural dialogue while keeping the space undeniably Printemps?

It is true—New York is vertical, dynamic, direct. Paris is softer, more romantic. The challenge was finding that beautiful tension. I respected the grandeur of Wall Street with strong architectural gestures—arches, noble materials—but I softened it with Parisian details: intricate ironwork, delicate marbles, warm woods. It became a dialogue—sometimes playful, sometimes respectful—but always balanced.

Where did you begin when finding inspiration for a retail space in the heart of the Financial District? Was there a mood or moment that anchored the vision?

The history of the district intrigued me—the old banks, the golden ceilings, the weight of the past. I imagined this Printemps like a secret garden hidden within the stone—a place where the hardness of finance meets the softness of beauty. The mood? Think of golden light streaming through tall windows, the rustle of silk, the sound of heels on marble. That was always the anchor.

Your work often blends bold patterns with classical codes. What risks did you take here that feel fresh—and maybe a little daring—for retail?

I wanted to take the risk of intimacy. In a city known for grand gestures, I created moments that invite you to slow down, to touch, to feel. There are rooms where patterns clash—a striped silk next to marbled walls—but somehow it works because it feels alive. I also dared to incorporate vintage pieces, as if Printemps had always been here, collecting stories over time.

This isn’t just a store—it’s a statement. How are you reimagining what luxury retail can look and feel like in 2025?

For me, luxury is no longer about excess, but about meaning. I imagined this Printemps as a place where you don’t just consume—you experience. You wander. You feel transported. The materials are noble, the craftsmanship is visible. There are places to sit, to breathe, to connect. Luxury in 2025 is about creating memories, not just transactions.

Printemps on Wall Street isn’t just about shopping—it’s about atmosphere, emotion, and experience. What emotions were you hoping to evoke in New Yorkers walking through these doors?

I wanted them to feel wonder, first. That little gasp when you see something beautiful and unexpected. But also comfort—a feeling of being embraced by the space. I hope they feel curious, that they want to explore every corner. And somewhere, deep down, I hope they feel a little bit of Paris in their hearts.

From the Paris flagship to this New York debut, you’ve created something deeply layered. What’s one hidden detail in the store that you hope visitors take the time to discover?

Ah, there is always a secret. In one of the corners, we’ve recreated a small, almost forgotten Parisian salon—a little jewel box of textures and light. The ceiling there is hand-painted, a nod to the great Parisian ateliers. Most will pass by—but those who find it, they will feel they’ve stumbled into a different world. That is the magic I love.