////CONTEST DETAILS AFTER THE JUMP////
Something new is brewing in Chicago. Something that’s new in stores. New in concept. And new in retail. In the past it was maximum product relative to retail floorspace. The future is an in store experience in terms of design, offerings and conceptual background. Enter RSVP Gallery in Chicago, a shop offering up merchandise that doubles as art and inspiration. Under the glow of RSVP’s green neon lighting and against exposed brick walls featuring commissioned neon art, pieces from Takashi Murakami, Kaws, Ambush, Dee & Ricky, Super, PLAY Comme des Garcons, Head Porter, A Bathing Ape, and Nike can be all found alongside original, vintage pieces from Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
We caught up quickly with Kanye & Co. regular, Virgil Abloh – whom along with Don C (West’s manager), and Marc Moran founded RSVP – to talk about the gallery, design and oddly enough, Chris Brown. We’ve also switched up the interview style because even we get tired of the Q&A formats once in awhile.
My name is Virgil Abloh and I’m currently listening to Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 & BBMing on the Blackberry.
Before RSVP gallery I had a dreams of owning a concept shop that was worldwide focused on creative products.
I run RSVP gallery with a host of friends and local kids that believe in the same vision of creating a destination WHERE POP ART MEETS LUXURY, SPORTSWEAR FUSES HIGH FASHION.
Marc Moran is keeping the lights on at the shop in between photoshoots with David Anthony.
We originally came up with the idea for RSVP gallery when we saw a niche in retail that we felt we could fill. I myself am a consumer and wanted to create a space that would satisfy my consumer needs and well as a platform to educate, much like a gallery.
Inside you can expect to find products from all over the world and all across the map in terms of design intention. “POW” Ambush Jewelry designed by Verbal alongside Vintage CHANEL brooches and wearable works of art by Takashi Murakami. At the same time we sell neon art from a private collector and all the shoes designed by Kanye West from 2009. You can expect to find the unexpected.
(A sample of the offerings from RSVP Gallery)
We chose the location of the shop based on an energy. It was important to create a real destination store. There is enough focus on New York and LA retail. It’s time to create a name for Chicago. The physical space was chosen because of the raw gallery type vibe. The online presence is as well important for us. We consider that a location as well.
What I love about Chicago is the ambiance. The fact that it embodies characteristics about Paris, New York and LA with a unique environment all its own. I see it as fertile soil to plant any idea.
The dopest thing you can find in the shop right now is this CHANEL crossbones necklace (I am contemplating buy this myself!). But we also have a Louis Vuitton Steven Sprouse skateboard with accompanying custom trunk and KAWS Original Fake Tees from early seasons.
The RSVP Gallery label (clothing line) is being launched over the next few months and will be an experimental in house label providing a platform for artists and designers.
My average day is like Emails, search for inspiration, design, design, design, sleep.
Currently, I’m in the midst of designing an aesthetics based on my point of view.
When I saw Chris Brown wearing the hat I designed I thought it was dope. I like celebrities that aren’t perfect and ones with good taste are even better.
The guys from The Brilliance are some of the most self-driven talented kids I know. Every conversation yields tons of new ideas. We are the Internets most internet internet site.
My hopes for 2010 more outlets for getting my ideas out and more impact on the world from a design standpoint.
RSVP Gallery
1753 North Damen
Chicago, IL
T: 773-770-6666
/////CONTEST/////
Virgil and the guys want to hook one of you up with an RSVP t-shirt
TO ENTER:
Leave a REPLY here OR
(on Twitter) RT @LIMITEDHYPE SHOP: RSVP GALLERY | CHICAGO http://bit.ly/5NAs3
We’ll draw randomly noon (EST) Tuesday, October 20th.
mark says: 
Benny 
Adrian 
Larry Gober 
Jimmy L 
Matt C 
Jason P 
Leo 
scott 
andy 
Luca 
