Ray-Ban House Debuts in SoHo: A New Cultural Hub for New Yorkers
Photo by Ava Chieffo for The Empire City Wire
Ray-Ban House Debuts in SoHo
The intersection of fashion, technology, and culture has a new home in Manhattan. Moving away from the traditional, predictable rows of retail sunglasses, Ray-Ban has officially opened "Ray-Ban House" at 62 Prince Street. Situated on a high-traffic corner in the heart of SoHo, this 2,400-square-foot, two-story townhouse completely redefines the eyewear shopping experience.
Rather than treating the location as a typical flagship store, parent company EssilorLuxottica designed the hybrid space to serve as a community platform. For New Yorkers looking for more than a standard transaction, the venue merges high-end retail with custom design, music, and an exclusive culinary program.
Ray-Ban House features an all-day, in-house food and beverage program led by celebrated chef Pasquale Cozzolino. The menu centers around premium sandos—Japanese-style milk bread sandwiches reimagined through a distinct Italian lens. Accompanied by a curated raw bar and globally influenced small plates, the culinary experience transitions naturally from a bright daytime cafe into a moody, shareable evening hangout.
Photo by Ava Chieffo for The Empire City Wire
Sleek Design Meets Vinyl and Velvet
Step past the threshold of the historic SoHo exterior, and you are immediately met with a futuristic yet warm aesthetic. Designed by Ray-Ban's internal creative team, the interior features satin metal curves, striking deep red floors, and mirrored ceilings that amplify the space.
Instead of stark, clinical displays, the eyewear is integrated into a curated living environment. Sunglasses sit alongside vinyl records, vintage books, and collected art objects, giving the ground floor the relaxed energy of a collector's lounge rather than a retail shop.
Ray-Ban House made its unofficial debut as a high-profile Met Gala after-party venue, complete with live musical performances and global ambassadors in attendance. By anchoring itself on Prince Street with a mix of live events, fine dining, and cutting-edge tech, the space is betting heavily on experiential retail. It proves that to capture the attention of busy New Yorkers, a store can no longer just sell a product—it has to cultivate a subculture.
Photo by Ava Chieffo for The Empire City Wire
High-Tech Glasses and High-End Customization
Beyond the food and atmosphere, the location serves as a premier showcase for the brand's latest technology and ultra-luxury customization:
• The Smart Glass Frontier: The store features a major experiential focus on the latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Visitors can test the wearable technology firsthand, exploring features like built-in AI assistance, open-ear audio, and seamless content creation.
• Bespoke Customization: On the second floor, a private VIP room hosts tailored appointments for one-of-one frame personalization. Highlighting this ultra-premium tier is the option to design custom diamond-encrusted frames, including limited-edition collaborations featuring hand-set gemstones and 14k gold finishes.
