The latest BOFFO Building Fashion two-week pop-up opened yesterday, and it’s just as much a trip as the first two. Artist Graham Hudson created a construction zone of a store for designer Patrik Ervell; imagine if Patron of the New had opened six months early. The floors are duct tape. The counters are glass panels resting on cinder blocks. The center columns are bent and/or broken. A light by the door is on the fritz. The front window is a jumble of scraps. (Hudson reclaimed much of the materials used in the shop from Manhattan construction sites.)
There’s more info on both gentlemen here, although the experience of being in the store is powerful enough—I found myself being very careful where I walked—that I’d suggest you don’t read too much first, just go. I can’t speak to the clothing, as I’m post-fashion (or at least that’s what I tell myself). I do know that the limited-edition balaclava/ski mask—only 10 (12?) have been made—is sure to be a collector’s item, and that black suit below is destined to be my Halloween costume. Maybe we can launch a Kickstarter campaign to get it for me. We can make a video! Oh, and this is the first time Ervell has shown his womenswear—the two gray and off-white pieces pictured are from the new collection.
As a bonus, BOFFO co-founder and director Faris Al-Shathir showed me the basement, where the group throws its parties. The last three photos are of the space.
The pop-up is at 57 Walker (between Church and Broadway), and it’s open daily from noon to 7 p.m. (6 p.m. on Sunday).
P.S. If you haven’t been paying attention, the first two BOFFO Building Fashion pop-ups (of five total) are here and here. They’re definitely worth a look.