SAINT LAURENT, founded by legendary designer Yves Saint-Laurent, is a high-fashion house specializing in haute couture, ready-to-wear, leather accessories, footwear, and more. Following a successful build at the American Dream Mall, Schimenti continued its partnership with SAINT LAURENT to support its expansion efforts within The Mall at Short Hills in Milburn, New Jersey.
The concept was the first in the US, given its exclusive designs and premium materials. The space features custom terrazzo slabs, marble wall panels, custom fluted concrete façade, and a polished concrete mix, all imported from Italy, plus specialized millwork fabricated overseas. The procurement process for these specialty materials resulted in project delays, extending the project timeline.
The design’s complexity presented various challenges. The sales floor lacked direct-access doors, so all critical mechanical and electrical equipment was situated at the back-of-house for easy servicing and engineered to ensure the store’s front received adequate power and cooling. Components like ceiling coves and floor base reveals in the millwork demanded meticulous alignment and attention to detail. Schimenti was responsible for the framing and backbone of the millwork structures to attach to, creating a zero tolerance in layout and execution.
To ensure precision, Schimenti maintained consistent communication with vendors through weekly coordination calls, complemented by detailed site evaluations by architects, subcontractors, and suppliers. Thanks to Schimenti’s construction management expertise, the 6,100 SF build-out was successfully completed and became the benchmark for all future buildouts for the luxury retailer.
