Calvin Klein Paris HQ

Calvin Klein has officially opened its new Paris headquarters for the 205W39NYC line at 103 Rue de Grenelle, marking the first space of its kind in Europe. Spanning two floors and 15,000 square feet, the building preserves its historic 1840s vaulted ceilings and cast-iron structure while accommodating the brand’s seasonal men’s and women’s runway collections. Architecture Research Office led the transformation, turning the former Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs into a modern, immersive environment. Visitors encounter a royal blue reception with upholstered walls and fabric cushions, setting the stage for a space where fashion, art, and design seamlessly converge.

Chief Creative Officer Raf Simons, a Belgian designer trained in industrial and furniture design, personally directed the Paris HQ’s concept in collaboration with Sterling Ruby. Since taking the helm at Calvin Klein in 2016, Simons has reshaped the brand’s identity, blending minimalist and Americana-infused aesthetics with references to youth culture and modern art. His approach extends beyond garments, transforming the headquarters itself into a spatial narrative. The design reflects his attention to detail and history of experimentation, drawing from experiences at Jil Sander, Dior, and his own label, while honoring the building’s original architecture.

California-based artist Sterling Ruby, a longtime collaborator of Simons, brought his signature aesthetic to the HQ through immersive, floor-to-ceiling installations. Columns, walls, and ceilings are wrapped in hand-painted red and blue splatters, while mobiles and suspended objects – including axes, buckets, baseball bats, pompoms, flags, and fringe – populate the space. On the mezzanine, a royal blue carpet leads visitors beneath vaulted ceilings preserved from the 1880s. Ruby’s work transforms the historical interior into a dynamic gallery-like setting, echoing his New York installations on Madison Avenue and the 12th-floor showroom, blending expressionism, pop art, and the theatricality of fashion.

The headquarters is designed to present seasonal collections in an experiential manner. Brightly colored laminate tables display accessories and garments, while custom fixtures elevate new pieces. Open circulation and reconfigured staircases connect the two floors, encouraging visitors to engage with both the architecture and the curated artwork. The combination of historic structure, bold art, and Simons’ meticulous curation creates a headquarters that is both functional and immersive – a true reflection of Calvin Klein 205W39NYC’s evolving identity and the creative synergy between fashion and contemporary art.