Sowmini Suresh

Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Interior Environments

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The Girlfriend Collective Flagship Store
by Paula Francisco and Sowmini Suresh

The Girlfriend Collective Flagship Store in Soho, Manhattan, is a space that aims to physically represent what the brand advocates for: inclusivity, transparency, empowerment, and a sense of community. The multi-level retail space also offers areas for different experiences such as workshops, fitness classes, and pop-up retail opportunities for small, like-minded businesses. The design concept is a nod to the journey of the brand, which started in the lush Pacific Northwest and made its way to the electric, urban New York City setting. The concept was applied not only to the material palette, but also in abstract forms, softer edges, and the overall space program.