GLAMOUR REBORN

THE INSTITUTE – ERNO LASZLO

Marilyn Monroe was a regular. Grace Kelly stopped in. Jackie Kennedy too. The Erno Laszlo Institute that they frequented in mid-town Manhattan had been closed for some 40 years, until Erno tapped Callison to reimagine the iconic spa.

Now, the “jewel” of the 6,700 square foot, three-level space is a red leather spiral staircase and 30-foot chandelier, which elegantly hides a large weight-bearing column thanks to floor-to-ceiling Swarovski crystals — 20,000 in all. It’s a showstopper.

The use of art deco detailing throughout the space gives a nod to the heritage of the brand, and the sales floor reads like a regally appointed home. The mood — elegant and glamorous — is echoed in the custom displays like the fluted circular tables inset with LED panels and the half-moon shaped fixtures inset with display cases. The graphics in the display cases are design to be changeable, the inaugural exhibit featuring Marilyn Monroe’s personal effects, including her jars of Erno Laszlo cream.

The Institute now is part salon, part retail store and pure entertainment.

For additional information, please visit the Erno Laszlo Project Page.