In case the big-wigs behind New York City Fashion Week haven't heard, the J. Bentley Studio & Spa, located about 15 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio, could give Bryant Park a run for its money. The 6,000 square-foot space features a 40-seat theater where a stage and fashion runway regularly play host to models donning local designs.
| Owner: John Paton Location: Powell, Ohio Opened: September 2007 Total square feet: 6,000 Salon setup: 18 styling stations, 6 treatment rooms, 8 manicure/pedicure stations Construction time: 10 months Construction cost: $2 million Equipment/installations: Belvedere, Sofa Express |
"We were really looking for that fashion connection," explains J. Bentley owner John Paton. "The color, seasons and looks of the fashion industry had to be part of our design. It was meant to be colorful, artistic and a little unusual."
But fashion is just one part of J. Bentley's design equation. Technology is also front-and-center in this warm, chai latte-hued space. After salon clients are coiffed to perfection, stylists take a digital snapshot of their finished look and store it in their virtual library. Flat-screen monitors next to each styling station can quickly recall past looks.
Caramel curtains and artisan light fixtures add elegance to the nail spa.
"People love this," Paton says. "It takes away this myth that the stylist will always remember what you look like."
Despite the strip-mall setting, Paton and his associates managed to include posh lounging areas for both male and female clients, in addition to a sprawling mani-pedi area, a bustling salon floor and, of course, the theater.
"Our ideas were bigger than the building," Paton says. "We could've easily filled up twice the space."
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