Dezeen Magazine

Calvin Klein headquarters, Paris

Calvin Klein opens Paris HQ with interiors created by Sterling Ruby

Artist Sterling Ruby has designed the paint-splashed interiors of Calvin Klein's new Paris headquarters.

Calvin Klein headquarters, Paris

Located in the city's seventh arrondissement, the Paris HQ will largely be used to display Calvin Klein's seasonal runway collections.

Chief creative officer Raf Simons tasked artist and longtime collaborator Ruby with the space's design, asking that he create an "immersive floor-to-ceiling environment". Structural decisions were charged to US practice Architecture Research Office.

Calvin Klein headquarters, Paris

Ruby has already transformed a handful of spaces for Calvin Klein, including their flagship store on New York's Madison Avenue where he introduced vivid yellow scaffolding and a host of Americana-themed art pieces.

The 1,400 square-metre space is entered via a "monochromatic yet rich" reception area finished with royal blue upholstered walls and fabric cushions.

Calvin Klein headquarters, Paris

A similar-hue curtain draws back to reveal the main room, which is centred around a dramatic mobile hanging composed of pompoms, drooping lengths of fringe, as well as shiny elements like chrome buckets and engine blocks.

Calvin Klein headquarters, Paris

Pale grey floors and peripheral walls act as a neutral backdrop for a red and blue splattered canvas that covers the columns, balustrade and ceiling of the mezzanine level.

Ruby – who often employs paint splashes in his own works – wanted the patterned surfaces to appear as a "bold monolith" within the space.

Calvin Klein headquarters, Paris

Thin, teardrop-shaped sculptures have also been dotted throughout.

Upstairs, deep blue carpets contrast against chunky, geometric display stands that have been completed in white, green, and bright yellow. The building's vaulted ceiling that dates back to the 1880s has also been preserved.

Last year Raf Simons teamed up with renowned graphic designer Peter Saville to redesign Calvin Klein's iconic brand logo, changing the founder's name to all capital letters to create a subtle but recognisable difference.

Photography is by Elizabeth Felicella.