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One of the country's preeminent, fashion boutiques, Atelier New York, is known for a strict color palette of blacks, grays, charcoals, and other, sophisticated urban tones. And the designer lineup is truly second to none: Ann Demeulemeester, Undercover by Jun Takahashi, Label Under Construction, Number (Nine), Carpe Diem and others.
Now, in collaboration with Atelier New York, one of the store's most popular and acclaimed designers, Rick Owens, has his own flagship boutique at 250 Hudson Street. Owens designed the space, which includes a few chairs and benches of his own design (for sale through Galerie Philippe Jousse) plus a towering, 6-way mirror and unique, fog installation (he calls it a "fog aquarium").
Owens might still qualify as a rising star only because his brand is not yet familiar to the mainstream. But he's not a newcomer to fashion, even winning a CFDA Perry Ellis Award for Emerging Talent in 2002. Since then, he's moved from LA to Paris but not lost the passionate edge or rebelliousness for which he is known.
Karlo Steel, co-proprietor, believes in Owens for his "total vision." He says, "As an American designer, Rick's perspective is very un-American." The sales floor will offer 50/50 split on men's wear and women's wear by Owens. Steel, and business partner Constantin Von Haeften, are also on the verge of relocating Atelier New York to the neighborhood, at 304 Hudson.