Following the success of their US debut on Melrose Place, Designer Tia Cibani opens Ports 1961's second boutique in the center of New York City's historic meatpacking district.

Designed by architect Michael Gabellini, the store's interior unfolds as a meandering animated narrative of movement, set to a layered backdrop of translucent scrims and veils reflecting projected imagery.

The inherent qualities of twisted nickel bars and floating lucite shelves provide understated elegance and sculptural balance. American walnut floors and handmade carpets add natural warmth. The space is open and intimate, creating an environment of modern refinement with a spirited casualness.

Illumination and color infuse the space with a sense of place and atmosphere. The lighting concept combines filtered light veils, saturated luminescent planes and rhythmic lines of direct light. An open floor to ceiling skylight exposes the center room to various gradations of natural daylight to moonlight, emphasizing various aspects of the collections cut, color and form.

Special attention was given to preserving the quality of the historic neighborhood through a notable effort to restoring the exterior façade of the 3 Ninth Avenue building. A sleek wedge of zinc and glass was introduced to the landscape to juxtapose the traditional look with the modern; reflecting Tia's unique and sophisticated designs.

The retail level of the three story historic building will present the seasonal collection as well as a gallery of limited edition items including collectible books, music and object art collected along Cibani's travels. Tia draws her inspiration from a vast source of historic and ethnic references, resulting in a collection of richly colored and uniquely textured fabrics. The intimate setting of the second floor will host local artist events and the third floor will serve as Tia's design studio.