The idea for the SKIMS flagship store emerged from the brand’s goal to establish a bold, physical presence in New York City. Working in collaboration with design architect Rafael de Cárdenas, RDC helped translate the brand’s digital-first identity into a tactile, immersive retail experience on Fifth Avenue. The concept was developed to embody SKIMS’ core values—flexibility, inclusivity, and confidence—through thoughtful spatial planning, refined materials, and seamless integration of design and brand storytelling.
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Located on Manhattan’s iconic Fifth Avenue, the SKIMS flagship store contributes to the energy and luxury of one of the world’s most recognizable shopping corridors. Surrounded by legacy brands and global retailers, the space asserts SKIMS’ place in the fashion landscape with a bold, contemporary identity. The storefront respects the elegance of its historic setting while standing out through minimalist design and refined materials.
RDC served as Architect of Record for SKIMS’ first flagship store, collaborating with Rafael de Cárdenas to bring the brand’s vision to life at its iconic 5th Avenue location. This first flagship marks a significant milestone for SKIMS, establishing its presence in one of New York City’s most prestigious shopping districts. Located at 647 Fifth Avenue in a renovated building formerly occupied by Versace, the store spans three levels of curated spaces that reflect SKIMS’ signature nude tones and sleek, modern aesthetic. Each floor is thoughtfully designed to create an immersive shopping experience, showcasing a wide range of SKIMS products, including women’s loungewear, shapewear, lingerie, men’s apparel, and exclusive limited-edition collaborations. Rounded-edge fixtures emphasize the brand’s flexibility and inclusivity, while Corian displays and tonal ultra-suede elements enhance the store’s design cohesion. A mezzanine level provides open views of the store, while luminous fitting rooms with wraparound mirrors and soft lighting create a positive, confidence-boosting environment for shoppers. The space embodies SKIMS’ commitment to fine design, exceptional customer service, and contemporary elegance, creating a unique retail destination that redefines the shopping experience.
"This flagship is a dream realized for SKIMS. We've created a space that perfectly embodies our brand and elevates the customer experience," shared Kim Kardashian, Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer. From the brand's inception, we envisioned physical stores as an integral part of our business model. The success of our pop-ups and partnerships with trusted retail partners allowed us to refine our approach and learn what truly resonates with our customers,” says Jens Grede, Co-Founder & CEO.
Founded in 1979, RDC is a full-service, award-winning architecture firm dedicated to making everyday places extraordinary. Headquartered in Long Beach, CA, we are a 160+ team with offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington D.C., and Arkansas.