You would except that the largest flagship shop from Japanese basics/fashion brand, UNIQLO would reside somewhere in Tokyo. Truth is, it will reside inNew York City. The “new” global flagship from UNIQLO, opening this Friday morning on Fifth Ave, is the largest build-out in the company’s history.

Designed by Wonderwall (you know the name), the new UNIQLO shop will be the largest single retailer on Fifth Ave. with more than 89,000 square feet of retail space across three floors. Those familiar with the UNIQLO SOHO location and the congestion that fills it during the busy weekend, will want to explore the new Fifth Ave location. The retail space is open and wide for shopping and browsing. More than 200 LCD and LED screens throughout the new store will deliver UNIQLO styled looks and more.

The UNIQLO Fifth Ave. opening has been blitzed hard in the media for months now and Friday will be a exceptional day for the retailer. Those looking for store opening specials will be pleased to hear that their basic v-neck cashmere sweater will sell for $50 (down from the normal $99) and Japanese denim lovers will want to be quick to lock in a pair of slim or straight denim for $9.99. That’s right: $9.99.

See you Friday.

Photography: Robert Wunsch/Selectism.com

More look after the click.

The iconic Italian brand Pirelli opened its first flagship store, Pirelli Corso Venezia, this week in Milan. The two floor, 1,500 square meters location designed by Renato Montagner, brings together all the facets of the “P. Lunga” brand (the long P logo synonymous with Pirelli) under one roof. According to Chairman Marco Tronchetti Provera, “fashion and industry go hand in hand and the new Pirelli space aims to underline this link and renew it.” The PZero collection that ranges from footwear and clothing to skateboards and bikes; F1, yachting, football and vintage cars showcases the different aspects of the company’s diverse history.

Story at photography: Joy Yoon for Selectism.com

Read and see more from the Pirelli Flagship store opening in Milan after the click.

Surface to Air cracked opened the doors of their new Paris flagship last week on Vieille du Temple. “Designed by S2A’s creative team in collaboration with architectural mastermind Federico Masotto, the new Surface to Air store is their most architecturally innovative yet, featuring sparkling concrete, marquina marble, moving panels and trompe l’oeil floorings. The architecture of the location was completed with structured, new age furniture designed by Federico and executed by Paolo Vale. Si- mon Louchet Decoration, who transformed Masotto’s vision into reality were the head contractors on this project.”

More looks at the Surface to Air’s New Paris Flagship Store after the click.

Omega cracks the doors open on their new Fifth Avenue store in NYC this past Saturday. The entire Omega collection is available at the new location as well as classic historical pieces from their back catalog. “On display will be the OMEGA Ultra-Thin watch, which was worn by John F. Kennedy during his inaugural address in January of 1961.” Also look for a platinum version of the Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo celebrating 40 years of astronauts wearing the beloved Speedmaster.

On July 19th the new eYe Junya Watanabe Comme Des Garcons flagship store in Hong Kong opened its doors. Situated at 22 Wyndham Street, the store is close to Visvim, Neighborhood/Wtaps, BBC/Ice Cream and the Comme Des Garcons flagship store in Hong Kong.

Yet another Japanese brand that goes to Hong Kong, making it an even more attractive shopping destination. Via I.T.

Many more images of the new store after the jump.

In an article in NYT The Moment published today, writer Nike Currie, notes that MUJI, our favorite no-branding, non nonsense accessories store (which just opening their flagship in NYC on May 30th) is planning to open as many as 40 new stores in cities across the United States. Boston?

Mr Curries story, which can be read in its entirety at The Moment, also gives a quick history lesson into MUJI for those who (for shame) are not familiar with the Japanese company.

Last year we visited for the first time the Chrome Heart Los Angeles flagship store and it was an impressive experience. The store was located in a stand-alone house, slightly hidden, at the same time located in one of the busiest shopping streets of LA.

They managed to achieve the same environment with their new Tokyo flagship store. The amount of details are stunning, from wall mountains, custom wooden furniture to the bubble gum machine, every piece carries the Chrome Hearts logo. The environment is really relaxed and calm, something that you would not expect from a city like Tokyo. Images via Openers.

Have a detailed look at the new store after the jump and make sure to put it on your list of must-see stores on your next Tokyo trip.

UK brand Garbstore is about to open its first flagship store in London later this month. Here we have first pictures of the store, for now only of the basement, but it’s already looking really good.

In recent years we finally see some brands turning their back on the otherwise mostly Marketing driven fashion market. They return to their core principles of making good product. The interview that we wrote about this morning with Visvim Designer Hiroki Nakamura nicely demonstrated that, and Garbstore is for sure a brand that belongs in the very same category.

More news on the soon to open Garbstore Flagship store London, once we get closer to the opening.

More pictures after the jump.

Head Porter is opening a new flagship store in Nagoya, Japan. This the the 3rd store after New York and Tokyo. It will be carrying both the Head Porter and the Head Porter Plus luggage collection.

Head Porter Nagoya

460-0008

Young-gu, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture 3-19-7

PROTECT4 Building 1F-2F

They will have the Snow White collection, that we reported about earlier on in store. Via Honeyee.

With the new Gucci flagship store on 5th avenue in NYC just around the corner of opening, the Italian luxury brand has got some special products aligned. They will be releasing a “Gucci Hearts NY” collection.

“Gucci is also launching a special microsite to go along with the launch of the “Gucci Hearts NY” products. All “Gucci Hearts NY” and Fifth Avenue products can only be purchased at the new Fifth Avenue store and each bears an inscribed internal “Gucci 5th Avenue” plaque” Via FWD.

Something to look out for! The “Hearts NY” idea is maybe not the most original, but at least they are starting to do specials for such events, which is definitely something a lot of people will be buying into!