Ryan Korban has been behind the design of fashion flagships like Aquazzura, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, and the private homes of stars like Kanye West and Jessica Stam. His latest project, 40 Bleecker, marks his first residential development, commissioned by Rawling Architects, Hollander Design, and Broad Street Development. The project boasts one-to-five bedroom residences, 10-foot ceilings, contemporary interiors, and amenities like private parking and a 58-foot pool.
Carving out a space that feels somewhere between downtown and uptown, Korban talked with Whitewall about defining luxury for a new generation, which very well may include marble sofas.
Portrait of Ryan Korban
WHITEWALL: 40 Bleecker is your first-ever residential development project. What was your vision and approach to 40 Bleecker?
RYAN KORBAN: I wanted to create a design that felt like the intersection of where Downtown and Uptown meet. Something elegant, but fresh as well as opulent, and brutalist. I guess you could say it was my approach to defining luxury for a new generation.
40 Bleecker
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
WW: What has been the most challenging aspect of 40 Bleecker for you?
RK: To create a design that not only stands out, but that isn’t too specific. You want to create spaces that people will be drawn to, but the hard part is making sure a wide range of people will respond to those spaces.
40 Bleecker
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
WW: You’ve designed the private homes of people like Kanye West and Alexander Wang. What kind of home environment do you like to create for your clients?
RK: Every project I do is different and that is really why I love what I do. I don’t feel that any two projects I’ve done feel the same. I like to take my client’s vision and execute it to an even higher standard.
40 Bleecker
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
WW: What is your top design must-have for the home?
RK: Good lighting! No exceptions.
40 Bleecker
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
WW: You’ve also designed several fashion stores like for Balenciaga, Aquazzura. What relationship do you see between fashion and architecture?
RK: I’ve always drawn inspiration from fashion. For me all art forms are one in the same.
40 Bleecker
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
WW: What home object or piece of furniture best represents your personal taste?
RK: Marble sofas!
40 Bleecker
Photo by Bjorn Wallander
WW: What’s a show you’ve seen recently that you’re still thinking about?
RK: TEFAF at The Armory this year was exquisite. Loved seeing all the old masters.
WW: How do you unwind after a long day in the studio?
RK: Booze.
