50th Street and 5th Avenue

Moving ever onward, we arrived at the world famous Saks 5th Avenue. Finding the restroom required an elevator ride, always a good sign in such an environ; it precludes the Old Navy riff-raff from thinking they can quickly pop in and relieve themselves (usually on the floors) without getting glared out of the place. These are the same people who allow themselves to be sprayed with every perfume as they walk the ground floor’s make-up section and yet never buy a single bottle!

Anyway, these restrooms are loosely based on upscale cabanas, which may register a bit strangely during the New York winters but feel just right during the New York summers. The men’s room is mostly white, the women’s peach. The stalls are full and boast cabana-style doors, providing good air flow while maintaining privacy. The walls stand confidently while not taking themselves too seriously; dare we say, these are the George Clooney of walls. We find this thanks to the painted-over brick they are made of, the full length mirror, and the context they find themselves in considering the other factors at play in the restroom. Besides the aforementioned cabana-stalls, the men’s room houses an avant-garde chandelier reminiscent of both twisted white ceramic antlers and a menorah after a Hanukkah family feud. The sink is deep and rectangular, trough-like; we didn’t know whether or not to take offense at this. All in all, it’s a functional bathroom with a few twists.

Rating: 7

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