Preppy style intertwines with Palm Beach aesthetic in Thom Browne's latest retail outlet.
Thom Browne Opens Mid-Century Modern Boutique in Historic Palm Beach
American fashion designer Thom Browne has opened his first boutique in Palm Beach, Florida, located in the iconic Royal Poinciana Plaza. The boutique, spanning 1,500 square feet, showcases a unique design that blends Browne’s softer take on mid-century modern aesthetics with the location’s rich heritage.
The Royal Poinciana Plaza, a pink-tinged, palm-fringed shopping oasis designed by society architect John Volk in 1957, sits on the grounds once occupied by Henry Flagler’s Royal Poinciana Hotel, a symbol of Palm Beach’s Gilded Age social life. After the hotel’s demolition, the site was redeveloped, and notably includes the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, a landmark designed by John L. Volk in 1958. The Playhouse had been vacant for over two decades before its recent cultural comeback as Glazer Hall, a waterfront performing arts venue.
Thom Browne’s boutique leverages this culturally rich and architecturally significant environment, bringing a contemporary fashion presence to a storied Palm Beach landmark. The boutique’s interior design is inspired by a mid-century office, with grey travertine walls and flooring, an illuminated panel ceiling, and mid-century furnishings. Furniture in the boutique includes pieces by Paul McCobb, Maison Jansen, and George Nakashima.
Ready-to-wear clothing hangs on simple rolling racks, while accessories are stored in a travertine niche. The boutique’s aesthetic is characterized by a love of prep style, which unites it with the typical Worth Avenue uniform in Palm Beach, Florida. Palm trees sway outside the boutique, offering a serene view of the nearby Lake Worth Lagoon.
Thom Browne expressed his fondness for the location, stating that he couldn’t think of a better place for his newest store. The boutique’s design is described as a softer interpretation of Browne’s typical boutique design, with wood-lined lattice ceilings and curated alcoves for eyewear, footwear, handbags, and beauty collections. The boutique mixes Browne’s world of classic Americana prep with the Palm Beach style, creating a unique shopping experience for visitors.
The boutique’s location in Palm Beach feels natural to Browne, as the city is known for its midcentury modern design and glamour. The boutique adds a contemporary touch to the historical Royal Poinciana Plaza, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination for fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
