Having designed Mishka‘s 350 Broadway in Brooklyn, the guys approached me a few months ago about heading over to LA to look at a space they were thinking about renting for a store. I flew out, took measurements and shortly afterwards, had produced some design documents for the shop. Now, a few months later, the store is ready to be opened! So stoked for the guys as they open up their first store outside of Brooklyn. What better way to celebrate than an opening party?
Check out more details below, including the opening party and press release!
Back in March of 2009, Mishka opened their flagship store – 350 Broadway – in the heart of burgeoning South Williamsburg. Since then Mishka’s digs have at times hosted a variety of activities including art shows, various parties, crazy sample sales, celebrity drop-ins, and bitter impromptu Street Fighter 2 competitions. 350 Broadway went from being Mishka’s brick and mortar shop, to being one of Brooklyn’s hot spots.
Exactly 344 days after, Mishka will be opening their sister store in Los Angeles and they hope to accomplish in Echo Park what 350 Broadway did in Brooklyn. Mishka LA will open its doors at 1547 Echo Park Blvd. on February 20th with a clear mission to be a part of the growing transformation of the Echo Park neighborhood.
And their neighbors feel the same way. “I’m looking forward to the Mishka store opening in Echo Park. I’m sure they have some wild stuff planned as only they do. It’ll be nice to grab a beer from El Batey market and shoot the shit out front of the store on a Saturday. That block is great from when Han Cholo and Show Pony were there and I couldn’t think of a better addition to the neighborhood.” says Steve Ternosky of stalwart brand Obey.
It is the only store of it’s kind in the new hood. Contrastingly, Echo Park was the only place the Brooklyn based brand felt would be a natural fit. The neighborhood is slowly becoming LA’s destination for the arts and fledgling independent business. Meanwhile a migration of creative youth, young professionals, and LA natives inhabit the neighborhood. Mishka LA feels right at home.
Designed with the same sensibilities of 350 Broadway, Mishka LA features familiar similarities with the bright purple neon lights and the hallmark Adam Wallacavage octopus chandelier. And while the intent was to make Mishka LA distinct it still feels connected to the Bear Cub’s Brooklyn roots.
The LA store opening begins the second phase of Mishka’s strategy to launch additional locations including Tokyo later this year. Never content with the status quo, Mishka hopes that both its Brooklyn,Los Angeles and Tokyo stores carve the way for more international openings.
So, that being said, I’ll be seeing you guys at the opening party right?
