Being the world’s epicenter of art, design, and fashion, New York City is the perfect playground for Calligaris. In a city where cobblestone streets meet cast-iron facades, and historic lofts mingle with cutting-edge galleries, New York effortlessly blends heritage with innovation — just like we do.
At our SoHo and Chelsea stores, Calligaris brings together over 100 years of iconic Italian design with our newest, most forward-thinking creations. Every collection reflects the rhythm of New York itself: fast-moving, expressive, and endlessly creative.
“We launched the first Calligaris Brand Store in New York because this furniture was made for New Yorkers,” says Shaokao. “It understands our need for smart space, individuality, and great value.”
“Calligaris is chic, modern, flexible, and beautifully functional,” adds Niki Cheng. “Our pieces work like a design puzzle — sofas combine with endless configurations of seats, covers, and legs, while chairs, tables, and beds can be customized in countless ways. With so many finishes, styles, and materials to choose from, you can create a high-end, tailored look for your home at a price you’ll love.”
Niki Chong and Shaokao Cheng have spent more than two decades shaping how New Yorkers live, design, and experience their homes. As partners behind the 18th Street Design Collective—the group representing Calligaris, Camerich, Ditre Italia, and now Eichholtz Manhattan—their influence extends across Manhattan’s design landscape and into countless residences throughout the city.
Their journey began in 2003 with the opening of New York’s first BoConcept on Madison Avenue. What followed was the creation of a design powerhouse: more than 15 stores across the Tri-State area and retail spaces that doubled as cultural destinations. They’ve hosted charity galas, intimate concerts, designer runway shows, and exclusive launch parties, attracting a devoted following that includes Patti LaBelle, Lucy Liu, Susan Sarandon, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Kid Cudi, and many more.
Their work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Post, Haute Living, and on shows like The Apprentice, Million Dollar Listing, Design Star, and The Real Housewives of NYC. Niki has also been featured as a design expert on NBC’s Today Show and Open House NYC.
In 2017, they launched New York’s first Calligaris store and have since evolved their retail portfolio into a curated lineup of modern luxury brands. Their newest venture, Eichholtz Manhattan, embodies their shared philosophy: design that blends elegance, comfort, and storytelling—transforming everyday spaces into inspired living.
Since 1923, the historic Friulian company, an industry leader of ‘Made in Italy’ furnishings and accessories has demonstrated a constant pursuit of innovation, allowing the company to continue producing products that are forward-thinking and unmistakably stylish. This important opening in SoHo is part of Calligaris’ international growth strategy.