Barneys, the beloved department store that closed in 2020, is making a limited return in the form of a pop-up shop on Prince Street in SoHo. The return is made possible by beauty brand Hourglass Cosmetics, which was initially introduced to the masses through Barneys two decades ago. Hourglass founder Carisa Janes expressed her sadness at the loss of Barneys, highlighting the support and mentorship she received from the iconic institution in the early days of her business.
The pop-up shop will be open for five weeks starting on September 5 to coincide with New York Fashion Week. The 1,500-square-foot location will pay homage to Barneys’ downtown roots before it moved uptown to Madison Avenue. In addition to Hourglass Cosmetics products, the shop will feature beauty products from brands such as Marc Jacobs, Thom Browne, and Khaite. Janes emphasized that the project aims to honor Barneys’ legacy and celebrate its impact on the fashion industry while passing the baton to the next generation.
Barneys New York closed its doors on February 23, 2020, after 97 years in business. The closure marked the end of an era for the iconic department store that had become a staple for Manhattan characters in popular TV shows such as “Friends,” “Sex and the City,” and “Seinfeld.” Despite filing for bankruptcy and closing multiple stores in the past, Barneys remained a pillar of fashion and a hotspot for the creative scene in New York City.
The store’s closure was attributed in part to the rise of e-commerce that affected traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. Barneys was known for being a hub where fashion-forward individuals shopped, admired the elaborate window displays by Simon Doonan, and dined at Fred’s while rubbing shoulders with industry insiders. However, in the wake of its closure, plans were made to convert the vacant Barneys space on Seventh Avenue into luxury condos. Fans of the iconic department store can now revisit its legacy at the pop-up shop on Prince Street until October 11.
The pop-up shop at 14 Prince Street offers customers a chance to reminisce about the glory days of Barneys and experience the unique blend of luxury and creativity that defined the department store for nearly a century. The location will also serve as a platform for Hourglass Cosmetics to showcase its latest beauty products and engage with customers in a way that reflects the spirit of Barneys’ collaborative and supportive environment. The limited run of the pop-up shop represents a nostalgic nod to the past while looking toward the future of retail and fashion in New York City.
