Studs
CLIENT: STUDS
DETAILS: INTERIOR DESIGN + VISUAL MERCHANDISING DESIGN LOCATION: NOLITA, NYC
PHOTOGRAPHY: Provided by Client
STYLING: HUXHUX Design Inc.
Studs is redefining the ear-piercing and jewelry experience, and HUXHUX was hired to translate the brand’s bold, youthful identity into a memorable IRL environment. The flagship strikes a balance between clinical precision and expressive fun, perfectly suited to a brand that champions individuality and community. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the best retail designs of 2020, the Studs piercing studios set a new tone for the category.
Our design concept began with a pristine white shell brought to life through colored light, reflective surfaces, and sculptural forms. Because Studs’ jewelry is intentionally small in scale, we created a dynamic gallery wall that elevates the pieces and encourages discovery through shapes that are organic yet geometric, familiar yet slightly surreal, activated by shifting illumination and mirrors that invite self-reflection.
Custom fixtures and modular displays showcase jewelry like art, accommodating new collections and collaborations with ease. The piercing studio balances openness and privacy, while pops of color, playful signage, and illuminated elements amplify the brand’s irreverent character. Material choices prioritize hygiene, durability, and comfort, using translucent acrylics, reflective mirror surfaces, and warm illumination to support both clinical procedures and social, shareable moments.
HUXHUX oversaw every aspect of Studs’ physical evolution from initial concept and prototyping to full fixture development and construction. After launching the first flagship, we adapted the design for smaller mall formats, created a mobile activation platform, and used the Austin store as the foundation for national rollout standards. With more than 50 locations across the U.S., Studs’ rapid growth reflects how strategic, scalable design can fuel sustained brand expansion.
THE PROCESS
