Sergio Mannino Studio Treats Glam Seamless Salon to a Rosy Makeover
Like a flamingo amid a flock of pigeons, Glam Seamless stands apart from the multitude of monochromatic salons populating New York City’s streets, a fact made obvious even before stepping through the flagship’s door. One glimpse beyond the double-height glass facade reveals a kaleidoscope of rosy hues inspired by the hair extension brand’s signature color: pink. “It’s almost like clothing,” architect Sergio Mannino says of the saturated palette, which Sergio Mannino Studio used to transform what was Pharrell Williams’s decidedly masculine Billionaire Boys Club boutique into a blush-toned sanctuary that is equal parts retail showroom and salon. “When you enter, you need to feel like you’re wearing it.”
Improvising within the existing structural framework, Mannino and creative director Martina Guandalini created connection between the 1,200-square-foot property’s two levels by introducing arched doorways and curvilinear surfaces that mirror the second
floor’s barrel-shape ceiling. But the womblike cocoon is repeatedly offset with a shimmering sleekness that gives the interiors an edge. The oblong reception counter, for example, is anchored by both a pink granite rectangle and a brass cylinder. Ovoid mirrors at consultation stations are backlit as if by their own aura.
A sinuous banquette is set aglow by neon signage urging customers to “Make every day glamorous.” Throughout, white lacquered built-ins provide discreet storage without marring the clean-lined aesthetic. And to keep the project under budget, SMS repurposed much of the lighting and existing ceramic floor tiles, instead infusing luxe moments via velvet ottomans, brass stools, and decoupage throw pillows.
“Our goal was to evoke calm and tranquility in a very feminine space yet also speak to confident, mature women who respect the way they look,” Guandalini adds. So to keep the color scheme and rounded finishes from looking overly girly, SMS embellished the entry and stairs with a gradient of stripes ranging from peach to raspberry that imparts dynamic movement and personality. After all, you’re never too old to be tickled pink.
Project Sources: Villa Lagoon Tile: Floor Tile (Hall). Normann Copenhagen through Property Furniture: Ottomans (Salon). Minerva Beauty: Salon Chairs. Erickson Aesthetics through Colony: Stools (Consultation). Laine + Alliage: Pillows (Reception). PND Neon: Custom Neon Sign. Throughout: Benjamin Moore & Co.: Paint.
Project Team: Belair Design Group: Architect of Record. Minas Construction: General Contractor.
