Just in time for New York Fashion Week: Women’s, a Baldwin showroom and pop-up store opened at 199 Mott Street today. Open through Sunday, the shop draws from designer Matt Baldwin’s Kansas roots with a “Prairie in the City” concept developed with Hufft Architects and featuring  such elements as waving wheat and nods to Donald Judd. We caught up with Matt Baldwin to talk shop.

Why did you decide to open the pop-up in NYC now?

Timing isn’t everything but it almost is. I have this thing with not skipping a step in the trajectory of the brand, so the next step in the evolution of the brand was a space that further told the story of the brand and the FW17 collection. It’s a moment in the market to take the right bold moves. We have had a great buyer response to FW17 men’s wholesale appointments in the space, and we’re excited to open up the shop this week to NYC with the new men’s and women’s spring collection. Next up, we will show the women’s FW17 collection during fashion week.

What appeals to you about Mott Street?

It has such a local feel to the street. A cross-section of our favorite restaurants, retail and local businesses make it the perfect street to start our retail relationship with NYC.

Did you approach NYC retail differently than Kansas City? If so, how?

It’s the same. It’s always been about great product and great people for our special recipe that makes Baldwin what it is. We’re excited to bring new SS17 product and great service to Mott.

What’s the one item you would buy for yourself if you were a customer at the store?

I couldn’t leave without a fresh pair of denim for the season.