Opening Ceremony + Magritte! Art and clothes!
I’ve looked on in awe at Opening Ceremony since my sister took me to the store in London a couple of years ago. Currently the creative directors of Kenzo (they’re that good), Carol Lim and Humberto Leon created OC in 2002 after being inspired on a trip to Hong Kong to leave their corporate fashion roles. It’s become a multinational lifestyle brand stocking both well established and emerging design talent with an annual showcase from a visiting country for a refreshing global energy burst (last year it was Belgium who had that particular honour).
They aren’t doing too badly at all bearing in mind they started out in a humble store in downtown NYC, and now have concept stores in London and LA,as well as a department store in Tokyo! There’s also a gift shop with a difference at Ace Hotel in midtown New York. They caught on early that collaborations are the key to success and marketing, teaming up with Rodarte, Maison Martin Margiela and Topshop to name a few. There’s also a showroom designed to bring lesser known brands to a global market.
Never one to get left behind, the current art and fashion trend is beautifully realised in the Opening Ceremony & Magritte collection, featuring the great artists work printed onto unique pieces – think side-zipped sleeveless tunics, directional dresses and skinny jeans. It’s available on pre-order and also includes limited edition Vans decorated with the “Ceci n’est pas une pipe” artist’s instantly recognisable work. Working with the Magritte Foundation, this is the definition of wearable art. Take that Karl Lagerfeld!