It’s pretty amazing to see how far the stakes have risen in the quest for the hottest retail space. Though at the end of the day, it’s still the product that matters, there’s something important to be said about how that product is positioned, shown and sold, especially when it’s by the same company that’s producing it. The big fashion houses have been addressing this need forever, but for the last several years as Streetwear and Urban Brands have become more established, there’s been a very clear effort by some companies to further separate themselves from the pack. The minimalist shop with simple polished concrete floors or the DIY - Ikea adapted displays just don’t cut it anymore regardless of how cool a brand is (or how cool they think they are). Below are a few favorite (recent) examples, as well as the firms that helped in making them happen.
Much respect to both Bathing Ape and Wonderwall for taking note and bringing this ideal to Streetwear, as well as consistently setting the bar and giving consumers some of the most beautiful spaces in which to purchase gear from.
Addendum (02/05/08): I’m surprised to see how quickly this entry made it’s rounds. Since then it’s been brought to my attention that I was a little ambiguous about who’s responsible for the great spaces you see below. Though I’m sure the agencies that helped put these projects together had input as to the concept, each of the apparel companies below represent some of the most creative and innovative players in the industry. In the case of Alife, as a crew they’ve often been involved in designing spaces for both themselves and others and Matt Fontana has a long history in interrior design and building out cool retail locations. Also knowing Kaws pretty well, it’s very clear that the OriginalFake shop is a beautifully realized interpretation of his aesthetic and thought process. Anyhow, I just wanted to point that out and make sure proper credit for these amazing spaces is given, since it’s most obviously due…
Supreme LA by Supreme and Harry Allen & Associates
Union NYC by Union and Harry Allen & Associates
Alife LA by Alife and Otto Design Group
OriginalFake by OriginalFake and Wonderwall (Truly Amazing)
Posted on February 04, 2008 at 12:04 PM | Previous Entry | Next Entry | Entry List | Email Entry | Digg
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There are 3 total comments about this entry. The most recent comment was posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago...
the bottom three images look absolutely awesome! i can imagine that bringing quite a few people in. where abouts is it?
^ Tokyo
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Some attention should be given to the NEW Concepts shop in Harvard Square in Cambridge/Boston, MA - very exciting and intelligent space that should help solidify and progress the architecture behind our culture.