My wondering aloud about what was happening at 257 Church (southeast corner of Franklin) led to readers saying that workers had told them it would be a clothing store, and then MPM gave it a goog—I never do that with commercial real estate, because it never works, but I may have to revisit that policy—and lo and behold, L.A.-based fashion designer James Perse has rented the space. Perse is known for his loungey clothing, how he went from a T-shirt to a lifestyle brand. (Pictured above right: the photo of him from his site.) Since there’s already a James Perse boutique in Soho (at Broome and Mercer), I thought this one might be devoted to his furniture/home decor line. I emailed the PR rep….

“You knew about the store before I did!” he replied. “We’re hoping to be open by the end of April. It will be both men’s and women’s clothing and I’m sure it will have some home collection.”

A few looks from his website: