Lonny Magazine: Loeffler Randall
Written by: Angela Tafoya | Original Article
A pair of Loeffler Randall chunky-heeled espadrilles were the first official "grown up" purchase I ever made. I remember I wore them everywhere, whether it was practical or not. I didn't care, I was so proud to own them and have continued to be a devout lover of the brand ever since.
These days, you probably can't scroll more than five minutes on Instagram without spotting a pair (likely the brand's signature pleated heels) in your feed. The brand has grown from a small operation in founder Jessie Randall's Cobble Hill garden to one of the go-tos for beautiful, understated footwear with a romantic edge.
Previously operating fully online — until now — Loeffler Randall has just opened up its first physical space in NYC's Nolita neighborhood.
Working with architect and interior designer Poonam Khanna of Unionworks, Randall infused the brand's minimalist approach and soft palette into the space. "I wanted it to feel welcoming and warm," Randall tells us over Zoom. "I approached it as bringing the brand to life — from the products to the materials used throughout."
"The couch was really the jumping off point for the store," shares Randall about the arched, built-in sofa where customers can get a chance to try on different styles in person. "I wanted the space for customers to get measured and try on different sizes to showcase what the brand was all about," shares Randall.
The store's plastered walls and arched vignettes evoke a lived-in, natural feeling. The pink two-seater is topped off with two Pampa pom cushions.
"I love natural raw materials and calming colors," Randalls says when asked about the palette of the store. The draped, velvet dressing room is a testament to that.
Randall shares that when designing the store she looked at the materials and construction used in the Loeffler Randall products. For instance, the drapery here is a subtle nod to the hand-made pleated sandals and heels
A closer look at the some of the curated items in the store, which also reflect the soft, earthy tones throughout. Currently, you'll see some of the brand's muted-toned clogs and chukkas on display. A sculptural mirror hangs on the wall for customers to get a glance at their shoes — and even snap a cool selfie.
Opposite of the main zone, you'll find two small selections of clothing and shoes flanking a terrazzo column. One of the goals with the store was to limit clutter and give products the space to breathe.
When asked what design lessons we can take from the store to apply into our own homes, Randall says to start with a mood board. "Having that mood board can help you zero in on what you want," she says.
She also shares the importance of combining textures, bringing in aspects of things you love, and thinking about how those things reflect one another. "This store is an accurate reflection of me and who the brand is," says Randall.