In a world of mass consumption, luxury furniture-maker Tyler Hayes’ latest retail venture, M. Crow & Company, provides a refreshing twist. Taking a leaf from the playbook of its sibling store, BDDW, every piece in Hayes’ new Soho outpost is made from scratch. Opened in 2016, the 1,500-square-foot store showcases a similar mix of eccentric hipster fare as its Crosby Street location, with each product handcrafted in the designer’s factory in Philadelphia. From roasting marshmallow and weenie sticks to a carved-ash bow with hand-sewn vegetable-tanned leather, the self-described control freak insists on managing all stages of the production process. Hayes cut his teeth creating custom furniture out of his former Rivington Street studio, creating custom pieces for retail giants like Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade.
The Howard Street store has a distinct general store-like feel with vintage accents throughout, and also sells local produce, hardware and home-brewed beer. Its name, M. Crow, stems from the 107-year old general store in Lostine, Oregon, which Hayes purchased in 2012 to prevent foreclosure. As such, the Soho store provides an outlet for the awkward collision of the designer’s hobbies and interests – metalsmithing, ceramics, carpentry and architecture – and is said to reflect the heritage of his hometown. BDDW, known for its rustic, minimalist hardwood furniture and décor, ensures the finishes on all pieces are hand-rubbed with natural oils and lacquers. And the prices reflect the human time investment and attention-to-detail. Think the sort of small empire Sex & The City’s Aidan Shaw might have pursued had he not become a silent investor in Steve’s bar, Scout.
