EMPLOYEES of the MONTH: The Shop Clerk Lives With A Love Match Between Joinery & Hickoree's Hard Goods

A while back, when The Shophound arrived on the interwebs, New York Magazine's "Ask A Shop Clerk" was a weekly feature that we always looked forward to covering, and occasionally skewering, but then one day it sort of faded away, occasionally popping up for a teasing reappearance. In the past few months, however, it seems to have become something of a monthly feature, and this week, in anticipation of Valentine's Day, it features a love match made in hipster heaven —that's Williamsburg ..duh.

Emil Corsillo of Hickoree's Hard Goods and Angela Silva of Joinery, two of the neighborhood's more prominent recent retail additions, are apparently a couple, which is obviously adorable. As their interview covered tha typical "tow shopkeepers in love" ground, up came the inevitable question: Do you think of your stores as “hipster”?

Both retailers demurred to committing to the term, which has become almost as annoying as "yuppie", especially to those who are likely to fall into the category. The next question, however settled the matter pretty well.

NYMag: What’s your favorite item in stock right now?
Angela: Shoulder bags made out of Brazilian feed sacks. But I get the most compliments on useful stuff, like a toilet brush with a wooden handle.
Emil: Splatter-painted mugs and bowls.

Yep. You two are hipsters. No question about it. Own it!

Ask a Shop Clerk, Couples Edition: Angela Silva and Emil Corsillo (NYMag)
Joinery, 263 South 1st Street near Havemeyer St
Hickoree’s Hard Goods Floor Two, 109 South 6th Street near Bedford Avenue, second floor, both in Williamsburg

MAKESHIFT MOXIE: Freemans Sporting Club Gives New Meaning To The Temporary Store

Perhaps it's because its building on the corner of Bleecker and Christopher Streets has been covered in scaffolding nearly since the store opened about a year and a half ago, but The Shophound only just noticed last weekend that Freemans Sporting Club moved its West Village location half a block down the street to 343 Bleecker, right next to Comptoir des Cotonniers. When we commented to one of the sales staff that the move looked like a better location, he laughed and admitted that it was particularly nice not to be in a building that falling down.
Well, that is always a plus.

In fact, the new store is only a temporary location that Freemans will be using until major structural repairs are completed at its previous home, but you may not immediately realize its ephemeral quality after a look at its well appointed interior. The elegantly appointed store is actually a cunningly crafted stage set of a store that can be quickly removed and re-assembled whenever the permanent space is ready to be re-inhabited. In a process exhaustively chronicled by Secret Forts, the folks at Freemans, devotees of authentic Americana, decided to turn to the cheap copies of the expensive antiques they might really want for their store, and quickly transformed a long-empty storefront with all sorts of visual tricks including a remarkable amount of faux bois painting. As Freemans mastermind Taavo Somer tells the blog,

The underlying concept is an authentic fake. Instead of faking a “real” American shop with the trappings of tailoring and products from overseas wrapped in old glory, we wanted to be authentic in what we are doing. We actually are an authentic American made brand, and this is our authentic temporary shop.

In other words, they took a bunch of old stuff and tarted it up to make a whole new/old/fake/real thing. It's just meta enough to delight your average hipster, and at the same time, the perfect setting for Freemans' widely admired classic clothing and accessories.

We actually thought that the space, on a better traveled block of Bleecker, might be better for business than the one it substitutes for, but seeing how cleverly the folks at Freemans have created it, we wouldn't be surprised if they could make a destination out of a basement in the middle of nowhere.

Freemans Sporting Club Temporary Store 343 Bleecker Street between Christopher and West 10th Streets
Field Report : Freemans Sporting Club, Bleecker St, NYC. (Secret Forts)

GLAM NETWORK SPONSORED POST: Jason Wu Is Coming To Target

CELEBRITY BRIEF: David Beckham's Underpants —Now In Motion

We brought you the stills earlier this month, and now here's the video.
Yes, folks the day when David Beckham's new men's underwear line becomes available at H&M is almost upon us,  so pretty soon your TV will be inundated with commercials featuring the sports star in his undies. We know. It'll be tough, but we'll get through this together. We hear the ads are going to debut during that Super Bowl people can't stop talking about which is apparently this weekend if you keep track of that sort of thing.

You don't have to wait so many days to to see Beckham's commercial, however. He is in motion right here in the preview you can see above set to the strains of the Animals' "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" (that's the non-disco version of the song). Make of that what you will. Well, actually he's not really moving much. It's actually the camera that's in motion, but the point is you can watch this little video as many times as you want, and nobody has to know.
Once again, you're welcome, and enjoy your Monday.

David Beckham Bodywear for H&M launches on February 2nd at H&M stores worldwide
Previously:
Captain Underpants: David Beckham Is Back In His Skivvies For H&M

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Emilio Pucci, ADAM, Rick Owens, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hervé Leger, GANT by Michael Bastian, Florsheim by Duckie Brown, Givenchy, Furla, D&G

Here is your weekly sampling of some of the brands you can expect to find on the bigger online Flash Sale Sites this week. You should click over to the sites themselves for a full schedule of events, and be sure to check for the correct start time for each sale. Happy clicking!

GILT GROUPE

Emilio Pucci, ADAM, James Jeans, Miguelina, Corso Como, Stephen Dweck, Z Spoke, Charlotte Ronson, Matt & Nat, 6 Shore Road, Z Spoke, Geren Ford, DV Dolce Vita, Rick Owens, Coclico, Pink Tartan, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Herve Leger, Acne, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Hunter Dixon —join HERE

GILT MAN

John Varvatos ★ USA, Hickey-Freeman, Inhabit, GANT/GANT by Michael Bastian, Florsheim by Duckie Brown, Puma, Martin Greenfield, Burkman Bros, Façonnable, Jack Spade, Domenico vacca, Jan Leslie, 2(x)ist, Duchamp, Calvin Klein Suiting, Link Up Cufflinks & Accessories, Linda Farrow Luxe, J.Lindeberg, SeaVees, New Balance —join HERE

GILT HOME & CHILDREN

Cuisinart, Nourison Rugs, Lazy Susan, Donobedian Antiques, Nourison Rugs, Lillian August Decor, Simple Human, Odegard, Cenedese, J.A. Henckels International, Frette, Nellystella, Umi Shoes For Kids, Hushamok: Baby My Seat, Hammock & Stand, Street Surfing, Juicy Couture, Kukunest Bedding, Princess + Superhero Pajamas, Emu Boots for Kids —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Fratelli Rossetti, Nat Nast, Vineyard Vines, Arche, Skagen, Judith Ripka, Philosophy, Barbara Barry, Anne Klein, LaPerla, Concord, Giorgio Armani/Emporio Armani, W118 by Walter Becker, Steiner Sports, Calvin Klein Swim —join HERE

BELLE & CLIVE

Givenchy Handbags, Calvin Klein, Valentino Men's, Furla, Robert Graham, Raymond Weil, ABS, Moncler Kids, Cynthia Steffe, Comune, Kenneth Jay Lane, Gilded Age, Tylie Malibu, SEE by Chloé, Hogan, Brunello Cucinelli Men's, Hugo Boss Kids, Charriol Jewelry, Etro Men's, Tods Men's —join HERE

IDEELI

Seychelles, Hype, Ray-Ban, KDNY by Kelsi Dagger, Stitch's, Calvin Klein Jeans, Kenneth Cole, London Fog, Majorca, BB Dakota, KM Collections, Repetto, Steve Madden, Victorinox, ESPRIT —join HERE

ONE KINGS LANE

Gingko Home Furnishings, Casafina, Davek Umbrellas, Oyuna Cashmere, Baker, Steven Stolman/Scalamandré, Bell'Iinvito Stationery, Phaidon, Circa, Espalma, Kevin O'Brien Pillows, Matteo, Elite Leather Furniture —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Sam Edelman, Ella Moss Collection, William Rast, Tahari/ASL, Hawke & Co., Just Cavalli, Via Spiga, Joseph Abboud, IMPROVD, Florsheim, Chan Luu, Pour La Victoire, Stuhrling, Steve Madden —join HERE

MY HABIT

Timo Weiland, ADAM, Carmen Marc Valvo, Hideo Wakamatsu, Plenty by Tracy Reese, Gary Graham, Hilary Radley, L.A.M.B., Nicjolas K, Mackage, D&G Dolce & Gabbana, Projrct Alabama, Christian Cota, Nina Ricci, London Fog, Baron Wells, John Varvatos, Bodhi —join HERE

RUNWAY RESURGENCE: John Bartlett Is Returning To Fashion Week

A few months ago, The Shophound and a lot of other folks were disappointed to discover that John Bartlett had shuttered his much admired West Village boutique. As anyone who is familiar with his history knows, however, this particular designer is not to be counted out after a setback. While he has continued producing exclusive collections for Bon-Ton stores as well as a range of a range of casual items available through his website featuring his late beloved mascot, Tiny Tim the three-legged dog, we were fairly certain that he still had big things in mind for his own label. After a two year absence from the runways, Bartlett will present a new collection next month during Fashion Week under the sponsorship of automaker Lexus.

Since his last runway show, designer's personal ethos has evolved as he has sworn off using leather and other animal products in his collections and stepped up his work promoting pet rescue and animal protection. This collection will be sustainable and eco-friendly, as the designer tells The Fashion Informer, "...I looked to nature and developed a fantasy of guys living off the grid in some kind of 'future-rustic' universe." Bartlett promises organic shapes in plant-based organic cottons and recycled microfiber ultra suedes as well as upcycled/repurposed wool. With a little time out of the spotlight, we we feel confident that he has stocked up tons of good ideas, so we can't wait to see what he has cooked up for next Fall.

Fall 2012 Preview: John Bartlett (The Fashion Informer)
Previously: 
Closing Notices: John Bartlett Departs (8.30.2011)

POP-UP PREVARICATION: Karl Lagerfeld's Bleecker Street Pop-up Is Only Virtual Until Tomorrow

We're going to go out on a limb and say that Net-A-Porter was just a bit misleading in their press release on Tuesday, because they didn't fully explain that the pop-up shop on Bleecker Street launching Karl Lagerfeld's new KARL line would not be featuring actual merchandise. Silly us, we thought that if you launched a collection at a storefront on one of the city's favorite shopping streets, that there would be goods to buy.

Our friends from Racked tell us that a long line of shoppers descended on the store yesterday morning, and the first 50 people in line got gift bags with items from the collection as promised, but when the shop opened, it was only a display allowing visitors to win items from the collection by using the KARL mobile app and pointing their iPads or iPhones at the window. Net-A-Porter staffers were on hand with iPads to assist the non Apple-equipped, but there was nothing to actualy buy and carry away at that time. On the plus side, they reportedly had hot beverages, so ...free coffee for those who didn't win anything?

You can buy it online at Net-A-Porter right now, and Racked promises us that the shop will start offering real merchandise live tomorrow, Friday the 27th of January, so you will still have your chance to shop KARL like a regular, old fashioned tech-free customer this weekend.

Karl Lagerfeld's New Collection Launched With No Clothes (Racked)
Previously:
KARL by Karl Lagerfeld To Debut In A Downtown Pop-Up Tomorrow

 

FLAGSHIP WATCH: Big Belstaff Store To Boost Brand On Madison Avenue

Belstaff, the London based label best known for making pricey, nostalgic motorcycle hjackets and other outerwear is relaunching this fall as a luxury lifestyle brand thanks to its new owner, Switzerland's Labelux. Part of this relaunch will include two major flagship stores, one at 814 Madison Avenue here in New York, and another in London.

New Yorkers will find the new store at the corner of 68th Street where Malo has wound up its residency, and one of New York's first Gianni Versace boutiques once stood, and the 4,000 square foot space will be designed, like its much larger London cousin, by New York based William Sofield, who is best known for revamping the Tom Ford era Gucci store design concept. While he is associated with sleek, glamorous minimalism of that moment, the new store will take its cues from the 1876 London mansion that will soon become Belstaff House. "a modern version of an English country house," according to Harry Slatkin who is the brand's new CEO.

The new store will also launch ready-to-wear collections by new Belstaff chief creative officer Martin Cooper. Are New Yorkers ready for more than just outerwear from the English heritage brand? We will find out this October, when both stores are scheduled to be opened. Motorbike not required.

Belstaff to Open Flagships in London, New York (WWD)

SLIMMING DOWN: UWS Says Goodbye To A Gap

That highly desirable corner store at Broadway and 86th Street used to be a Gap until earlier this month. As a part of efforts to trim underperforming locations announced last year, it was closed along with a few other Manhattan locations which smacked of 10 years ago, when the mega-chain also corrected an overexpansion in the city that seemed to put a Gap on nearly every other corner. This particular store was one which many observers predicted would be shuttered due to its strange layout, and we can tell you from our own observations that it was not a particularly well designed store that probably should have been closed in any event —or at least gutted and completely redesigned.

One thing we can remember, however, is way back when the Gap was a great place to shop no matter how many branches sprung up about the city. Hopefully some of the new creative management at the company will be able to rejuvenate the chain which has held up poorly after the onslaught of H&M, Zara, Forever 21 and any number of other fast-fashion chains that have proliferated over the past 10 years.

This closing leaves only one Gap left on the Upper West Side on Broadway near Lincoln Center which is currently undergoing a long-running renovation that has left it covered in plywood even as it continues to operate. Hopefully, this means an exciting new redesign is in the works and maybe a rebirth for a battered but not quite beaten retail icon.

DIFFUSION FRENZY: KARL by Karl Lagerfeld To Debut In A Downtown Pop-Up Tomorrow

Net-A-Porter.com will be launching the new KARL by Karl Lagerfeld collection online tomorrow, but to garner a little extra bit of buzz, the luxury e-commerce giant has chosen five international cities to sell the line live and in person, and guess what? One of those cities is New York! Starting at 10:30 tomorrow morning, the collection will be available at 375 Bleecker Street, and the first 50 customers will receive a special gift from the collection. The other lucky cities are London, Paris, Berlin and Sydney. In case you were hoping to catch a glimpse of the Kaiser himself, you will have to get up really early and jet off to Paris which is where he will be making his public appearance, but one lucky winner in each city will be awarded a $1,500 shopping spree, which is roughly equivalent to half a Balmain jacket.

To win the loot, you need to download Net-A-Porter's KARL game and play it, putting yourself in the running for the shopping spree, but even if you don't hit that particular jackpot, just console yourself that you are in the only city in America where you will be able to buy the collection in a shop and take it right home without waiting for the UPS truck, or, if you are particularly extravagant, Net-A-Porter's pampering white glove hand delivery. There's always something to be said for instant gratification!

KARL by Karl Lagerfeld Pop-up shop 375 Bleecker Street between Perry & Charles Streets, West Village