Today In Pop-UpsReebok Finds Its Moment

It's been a long struggle for Reebok to regain the cachet it held during its 1980s heyday. There was a moment back then, when the only way to exercise was an aerobics class, and the only thing to wear with your cobalt blue and black striped leotard and tights was a set of spanking white Reebok high-tops. The Shophound was obviously but a zygote at the time...but we've heard about it.
Since then, Reebok has slid down a rung or two in the Sneaker Pecking Order as Puma and Adidas ascended during the '90s while Nike seemed to release one classic collector's style after another. Adidas (now Reebok's corporate parent) in particular has been able to mine its considerable archives to take advantage of the seemingly endless '70s revival. As the inevitable '80s revival gathers steam, Reebok is taking a page from its Teutonic owner and reminding everyone of its Golden Moment with the Flash Pop-Up store strategically located on the hipster heavy Bowery.
Once inside, you can marvel at the way the folks at Reebok have meticulously recreated what appears to be the set of a Debbie Gibson video, or maybe one from Wang Chung. If Sheena Easton had appeared shimmying around a graphically painted corner in leg warmers and an asymmetrical hairdo, it wouldn't have been remotely surprising. As we walked in, the sound system was even pumping an updated cover of that mid '80s masterpiece, Sheila E.'s "The Glamorous Life".
Sadly, not very many others were enjoying the moment, and it's possible that this stretch of the Bowery near Broome Street was still home to a few too many of the fabled street's more typical denizens to attract the desired style conscious population. And by "more typical denizens" we mean drunken bums. Oh, sure -we're probably not supposed to use that terminology anymore, but, you know, if the inebriated stupor fits...
Anyway, damned if some of those shoes aren't starting to look good again. Unfortunately, there's only a few more days to enjoy this charming time warp which will close on Sunday, December 14th. If you miss it, be warned: the '80s are coming back, and Rebook is ready for 'em in all their neon glory.
Reebok Flash Pop-Up Through December 14, 169 Bowery between Delancey & Broome Streets, Lower East Side.