Two major new openings last week, both entailed long lines, one required an online reservation to even stand in line! All take experiential retail to the next level.

Supreme, 152 Grand Street, Brooklyn

• No two ways around it, amazing store with skatebowl (same as in LA and likewise reserved for friends and family of the brand).
• We dropped by the day after the opening party but no luck in getting in – needed to make an online reservation. Lots of security – four cops keeping the limited crowd under control.
• Must say I was peeved that several bouncers attempted to intimidate me not to take photos of the store exterior from the sidewalk. Total BS.
• But we did peek in and saw the skatebowl and some of street art by Mark Gonzales and others.
• It’s also cool that the only signage is the tiny logo on the door.

See more pics below as well as info on 4 more stores worth checking out.

Supreme Brooklyn

 

Kith, 337 Lafayette Street (@ Bleecker) in Nolita

 

 

The new Kith 3-story HQ on Lafayette Street also opened last week. We dropped by on Friday and there was a short line (we waited no more than 10 minutes).

Designed by Snarkitecture (as are all the other Kith locations).

• I was not as blown away by this store as I was by the original on Broadway. I miss the Wow factor of the white shoes on the ceiling of the entryway. They pay homage to that design element but it is not as impressive.
• Definitely worth checking out – especially the Treats Bar on 2^nd floor. Milkshakes are yummy!!

 

Rip N Dip, 40 Mercer Street Soho

(Pop up open through mid-November)

 

Totally fun. We stumbled on this after visiting the Warner Brothers Get Animated Pop Up across the street (fun but nothing like this!).

RIPNDIP is from LA and was originally established as an apparel brand inspired by skateboarding culture. It’s driven by the iconic imagery of Nermal, the mischievous blue-eyed cat, and many popular culture influences ranging from visual arts to modern experiences.

 

Totokaela 190 Bowery

 

 

GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GORGEOUS. Love this building and Totokaela has done the most beautiful installation here. They opened this past Friday (October 6) and are scheduled for an 11-month residency. I wonder if “residency” is the new, more sophisticated lingo for pop up? I hope so.

Make sure you check out the downstairs – it’s phenomenal.

Per the NY Times:

Katie Burnett, a stylist who has worked with Totokaelo on the company’s ad campaigns, created the mannequin displays, including a mountainous pile of Vetements tops. “It’s definitely more of an editorial approach,” said Kate Schley, the creative visual manager of Totokaelo. “You don’t get this as much in brick and mortar.”

 

A/D/O, 29 Norman Avenue, Greenpoint Brooklyn

 

This is not new (opened just under a year ago) but first time I got to check it out. Took my breathe away – a beautifully designed creative hub. Great concept.

• Car brand MINI is behind the conversion of this Greenpoint warehouse into a creative workspace, restaurant and design store.
• Make sure you look up and check out the “periscope” feature. Have never seen anything like this!
• It’s a must-see for anyone interested in design. And the restaurant – Norman – is phenomenal and is getting its own blog post tomorrow.
• The whole thing has a Nordic vibe which many of you know I love