In a bold move that marks its first venture into the international brick-and-mortar retail scene, British luxury women’s clothing brand ME+EM has opened a new 1,900-square-foot store on Madison Avenue in New York. This store represents the brand’s initial step outside its direct-to-consumer model and into physical retail space abroad. But the expansion doesn’t stop there. ME+EM has ambitious plans for the spring, with two additional boutiques set to open in SoHo and the Hamptons.
The Madison Avenue flagship store, prominently featuring the slogan ‘intelligent style, now and forever’ on its facade, introduces New York to ME+EM’s ethos of combining timeless design with luxury fabrics and expert craftsmanship. Founded in 2009 by Clare Hornby, a former advertising executive, ME+EM has carved a niche in the luxury fashion industry. The brand is celebrated for its signature pants, precision tailoring, and silk dresses that promise modern women the luxury of not choosing between quality, cost, or style and functionality.
The design of the flagship store is the result of a unique collaboration between New York-based architectural firm Rigos Mills and British creatives. This partnership aims to blend British craftsmanship with American design sensibilities, a theme extending across all three New York locations.
Since launching its US e-commerce site in 2019, ME+EM has cultivated a solid local following, and the opening of these three stores is a response to this growing community. These boutiques will allow customers to experience the brand’s monthly edits firsthand, which promise fresh textures, colors, and silhouettes. For March, the brand highlights sheer panel knits, spring green pieces, barrel-leg denim, new-season footwear, and leather goods.
Clare Hornby expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion, noting the significant growth ME+EM has experienced in the US market since its online launch. “Since our online launch in the US, we’ve seen really exciting growth in the market, so I’m incredibly proud to be opening not just one but three stores in New York this spring,” she said. Hornby emphasizes that the customer has always been at the heart of ME+EM’s strategy, leading to the selection of three key locations integral to their customers’ lives: the Upper East Side, SoHo, and The Hamptons. This expansion into physical retail spaces in the US represents a significant milestone for the brand, fulfilling a long-term goal of establishing a physical presence there.
The opening of these stores demonstrates ME+EM’s commitment to providing high-quality, stylish, and functional clothing for modern women. It also reflects the brand’s dedication to expanding its reach and engaging with its community in new and meaningful ways. With its unique blend of British elegance and American flair, ME+EM is set to significantly impact the luxury fashion landscape in New York and beyond.
As ME+EM prepares to open its doors in the Hamptons this spring, it invites locals and visitors to explore its world of ‘intelligent style’—a world where timeless elegance meets contemporary design. This expansion marks a new chapter not only for ME+EM but also for the luxury fashion scene in New York, offering a fresh and exciting destination for discerning shoppers seeking quality, style, and functionality.
