Monday, 27 November 2017

Monday 27th November: Carhartt WIP Kings Cross Opening










Last week Carhartt WIP opened their fourth London location in the new development at Kings Cross by Granary Square and Central St. Martins.  I've been looking forward to this concept store since hearing about the new site a very long time ago and more recently seeing developments under way as I have been past.  A small slither of the ceiling has been on view exposing a grid of circular lamps which became repeated as a graphic for the launch identity.  Here you can see the artwork of textile polkadots by Jason Evans commissioned by LAW Magazine who curated an exhibition and publication to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the iconic Carhartt WIP Chore Coat.  The team worked with design house "Toogood" who are responsible for the layout of the interior.  To mark the centenary, other menswear designers were asked to make an imaginary image of the Chore coat as it will be in the next one hundred years on the theme of "2117".  Here you can see Toogood's own interpretation as a padded jacket treated with latex and an embroidered patch jacket by Sadie Williams.  Judy Blame also embellished a one-off piece with his trade-mark pins and rivets which no doubt inspired the party's freebies of badges to pocket.  Alongside other collaborations from Christoper Shannon and Kara Messina was a Liam Hodges installation on the shop's forecourt of a polyhedron tent made from patchwork coats.  Infact the entire surface-area of the walls and shelves inside the shop are upholstered in duck canvas .......... and the hanging Carharrt logo sign on the outside!  It looks like a massive undertaking for the brand, in perfect position for international foot-fall right by the Eurostar terminal.  The covetable classics from this utilitarian fashion line will now look even more desirable in this tactile and avant-garde store.

(All photos by me except the last of me, from the Carhartt WIP blog)

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