Since its founding in 1875 in Switzerland’s Vallee de Joux (Valley of Joux), Audemars Piguet is synonymous with craftsmanship, precision, and heritage. How does this translate into shopping on Sunset Boulevard? To find out, the company hired Romanek Design Studio, who worked with ELLE Decor A-List designer Brigette Romanek, to create its first West Coast version of AP House in West Hollywood. The first U.S. store opened in New York City’s Meatpacking District last year; there are currently 15 locations worldwide.
Ginny Wright was the CEO of Audemars Piguet Americas, and she had Romanek in mind when it came to designing the interiors. Wright explains that they wanted the AP House to have a unique sense of Los Angeles. Wright describes the penthouse as “elegant, yet cool and comfortable all at once.” It combines sales with a watchmaking workshop, rooftop terrace, and even a DJ booth.
Romanek says the directive was to capture the “vibe” and “energy” of Southern California. He worked in a style that could be described as “cerebral sunlight” and used a mix of warm materials such as aged brass, travertine, and oak with onyx and limestone, which referenced the coast as well as the redwood forests of the state. Romanek says that the design encourages people to “have great conversations, relax, be involved, and enjoy” in every space. She says that AP House is “very proud of everything they stand for as a brand” and their amazing timepieces, many of which Romanek has become familiar with throughout the project. “But that’s a different conversation!”
