SC103 designers Claire McKinney and Sophie Andes-Gascon have inaugurated their first physical retail location at 25 Henry Street in Lower Manhattan. This ambitious project saw the duo personally involved in every aspect of the store's creation, from demolition to design, transforming the space in a remarkably short period. The new store serves as a direct extension of their creative vision, offering customers an intimate and engaging shopping experience that transcends traditional retail models. It represents a significant step for the brand, moving beyond pop-ups to establish a permanent presence that embodies their unique aesthetic and commitment to craftsmanship. The undertaking reflects a deeply personal journey, allowing the designers to curate an environment where their creations can be appreciated in a setting they meticulously crafted themselves.
The establishment of SC103's inaugural brick-and-mortar store on Henry Street marks a pivotal moment for the brand, deepening its connection with the fashion community and customers alike. This venture, born from a long-held dream, symbolizes the designers' dedication to an authentic retail experience. Their hands-on involvement in the store's construction, from painting to custom-built displays, infused the space with a palpable sense of personal investment and artistic integrity. This direct approach not only shaped the store's physical appearance but also fostered a unique atmosphere where patrons can explore SC103's distinctive pieces—including woven leather bags, patchworked items, and slip-on pants—in a dynamically evolving environment. The store's presence in the collegial Two Bridges neighborhood further enhances its appeal, aligning with a burgeoning local community of artists and entrepreneurs and promising a continually fresh and engaging experience for every visitor.
The Birth of a Vision: SC103's Henry Street Abode
Claire McKinney and Sophie Andes-Gascon, the creative minds behind SC103, have brought their long-held aspiration of a permanent retail space to fruition with their new store at 25 Henry Street. Embarking on this endeavor, they personally undertook the extensive renovation, transforming a raw space into a distinctive retail environment. Their hands-on dedication, from breaking down walls to meticulous painting and wood staining, allowed them to infuse every corner with their artistic vision. This rapid 41-day transformation underscores their commitment and determination to create a unique destination for their brand, fostering direct engagement with customers and showcasing their handcrafted designs in an immersive setting.
The journey to opening 25 Henry Street was marked by an extraordinary display of personal commitment from SC103's founders. What began as a distant dream evolved into a tangible reality through their previous successful pop-up shops, which solidified their desire for direct customer interaction. The discovery of the Henry Street location on Craigslist ignited a fervent, rapid construction phase. The designers, assisted by friends and family, transformed the space with remarkable speed, highlighting their ethos of self-reliance and creative control. This meticulous approach extended to crafting modular displays that not only showcase their signature pieces like woven leather bags and unique apparel but also integrate found objects, adding layers of narrative and discovery to the shopping experience. The resulting environment is not just a store, but an extension of their artistic world, reflecting their passion for creating and sharing their distinctive aesthetic directly with their audience, ensuring that each visit offers new insights and connections.
Cultivating Connection: SC103's Approach to Retail
SC103's new establishment at 25 Henry Street is more than just a retail outlet; it's a carefully curated space designed to deepen the connection between the brand and its patrons. The designers' previous pop-up experiences fostered a desire for direct interaction, leading them to create a store that feels personal and immersive. This hands-on approach allows them to observe customer preferences in real-time, influencing future designs and offering unique, one-off items alongside their core collections. The intimate setting, coupled with the store's dynamic evolution, ensures that each visit provides a fresh and engaging discovery, embodying SC103's commitment to a distinctive and evolving customer experience.
The strategic decision to establish a permanent storefront at 25 Henry Street was a natural progression for Claire McKinney and Sophie Andes-Gascon, driven by their positive experiences with pop-up events. These earlier ventures underscored the invaluable nature of face-to-face interactions with their clientele, informing their vision for a more enduring and personal retail environment. The new store in the vibrant Two Bridges neighborhood is deliberately designed to foster a sense of discovery and intimacy, reminiscent of exploring a hidden treasure. Its long, rectangular layout, complete with an attic nook and modular display units, allows for a constantly changing presentation of SC103's distinctive products and curated found objects. This adaptability not only keeps the shopping experience novel but also enables the designers to directly gauge customer interest, swiftly bringing popular styles from concept to display without the usual production delays. This direct, responsive model, combined with the community-oriented spirit of the neighborhood, reinforces SC103’s dedication to authenticity and a profound engagement with both their craft and their customers, charting a unique course in the retail landscape.