Studio & Flagship Store
The FoundRae flagship store opened in Manhattan, New York City, in March 2018. We didn’t want to just open a jewelry store. We wanted to create a comfortable yet inspiring environment that was a reflection of just how personal this collection is to us.
For example, we have put our entire personal book collection into the store. All of the books on the bottom two shelves can be checked out: it’s a lending library. We want everyone to feel comfortable coming in and to leave feeling inspired; whether it's with their new piece or a borrowed book. And the inspiration is two-way. Our studio is in the same space along with a bench jeweler which allows us to see every day the personal stories that our customers create. We thrive on that interaction and learn from our customers every day.
A Space that celebrates the Personal
The FoundRae flagship store was originally constructed in 1867. The landmarked, the cast iron structure had been victim to a fire and two floods, and was rebuilt by Murat Bugdaycay and decorated by the couple together. The store is an eclectic mix of antique & vintage pieces, contemporary art & custom artisan craftsmanship.
A suite of 1970’s era vintage leather chairs by Giancarlo Piretti for Castelli alongside a Danish modern vintage couch sits adjacent to a blush leather wall that is hand-stenciled with the FoundRae lexicon symbols in burnished gold foil. Commissioned artworks by Tyler Hayes of BDDW and ceramic sculptures line the walls along with large-scale ceramic pedestals in shades of blue.
A Distinctive Experience
Since the conception of FoundRae, we have seen the collection as tools for our customers to create a very personal reflection of themselves. We are hoping that the exploration of finding the symbols that resonate with you is in itself a practice of both self-discovery & self-expression. Every part of the collection is conceived to give the customer the ability to customize the final look so it is tailored specifically to tell their story, whether it’s adding a 2nd chapter to a necklace or the way a stack of rings is worn.
Our intention is that the final piece empowers the wearer and leads to meaningful exchanges. By offering custom work, we are offering our customers the ability to even further customize their collection by using our language of spiritual and mystical symbols as well as letters, numbers & gemstones to create a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece in a unique combination specific to them.