Robert Graham Debuts Venice Flagship Store
The Robert Graham label built an international business on colorful, detailed men’s shirting, and when its first flagship debuts in Los Angeles on Sept. 10, the New York–based brand is guaranteeing something unique.
The store is built in a 1,200-square-foot spot located at 1326 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Los Angeles’ Venice Beach neighborhood. It is located across the street from the boutique of designer Pamela Barish. Robert Graham management renovated two 1920s-era bungalows, knocking down the walls in each bungalow, which most recently served as the offices for a post-production company.
The old bungalows are being filled with customized furniture featuring a Graham touch. The store also has an Eames couch and Gehry chairs, which bear cushions featuring bright, detailed patterns reminiscent of the label’s shirts. Other chairs are constructed out of 150 Robert Graham shirts. One lamp is constructed out of sunglasses. The boutique features a patio with a fire pit and a wet bar. Outside the boutique, Robert Graham is erecting a statue sculpted by artist Drew Klotz, whose work was exhibited in the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art.
Label creator Robert Stock said he built the store to present a showcase of all Robert Graham product. It will offer the label’s shirting, formalwear, neckwear, socks, ties and womenswear. Price points range from $30 for socks to $150 for a shirt to $800 for a velvet jacket. The label will also introduce a jeans and T-shirt line.
The East Coast brand chose the art-driven neighborhood of Abbot Kinney for its first flagship because the area mixes a bohemian sensibility with major retail traffic. “People from all over the world and all over the country come here,” said Robert Graham Retail Director Howard Himelstein, who has lived in Venice since 1977. He also was the former co-owner of the Los Angeles store and clothing line Camp Beverly Hills.
Label creator Stock forecasted Robert Graham will build other stores when space in neighborhoods similar to Abbot Kinney open up. “Expect the unexpected,” Stock said. “No one knows what we’re going to do next.”—Andrew Asch
