Galeria Melissa

Profile

Located in a quieter section of Soho, this is the first international flagship for the quirky Brazilian shoe brand, many of whose wares are a style-conscious tribute to the jelly shoes so popular in the eighties. The store was designed to resemble a futuristic gallery space. Shoes made entirely of recycled PVC material are mounted high on pedestals, while psychedelic video art is projected behind the shoes, creating an interactive consumer space. The art installations in the window and on the floor’s main space are permanent, but the artwork displayed throughout the rest of the shop is shifted out twice a year. Though the company focuses on women’s footwear, it also proffers a well-received men’s collection as well as a children’s line. Melissa is known for its collaborations with various designers and artists, including Vivienne Westwood, Jason Wu, and Gareth Pugh, and the various designs can be spotted throughout the store. — Raya Jalabi