Marc Ecko Set to Invade Chelsea

In a perplexing development, The Shophound has discovered that Marc Ecko, famous for his hip-hop apparel empire is opening a freestanding boutique (his first, if we are not mistaken) for his premium level Cut & Sew collection on Eighth Avenue in Chelsea. It's not perplexing that he is opening a boutique for the line. It's where that's surprising. Ecko is a mainstay at streetwear retailers like Dr. Jay's and Yellow Rat Bastard, and yet he has chosen to open his shop at 147 Eighth Avenue between 17th and 18th streets...which is..well...there's no tactful way of saying it...right smack in the middle of Gaytown. In fact, the store's previous tenant, the late and not particularly lamented Bang Bang was so gay that even the gays wouldn't shop there.
This is not to say that Ecko can't open a store wherever he wants to, or even that it won't be successful. It's simply a market that he is not known for targeting, which should be evident from the advertising images decorating his future storefront.
Put simply, if he wants to make a go of it in this neighborhood, hot chicks in lingerie are definitely not the way to go.
Marc Ecko Cut & Sew (Official Site)
Previously: Goodbye Bang Bang. We'll Miss...um...We'll Notice You're Not There Anymore

Comments

[AJ]

If this store opens before the alleged Ecko outpost on 42nd & 7th (which has been "coming soon" for no less than 3 years), I will eat my hat.

[thenydon87]

This actually isn't his first freestanding Cut & Sew. The first two are at Roosevelt Feild Mall, in L.I.(closer to me) and one in Vegas. But it is the first Manhattan one.

http://hauteconcept.com/2007/06/05/marc-ecko-expands-into-retail-with-cut-sew/

Anyway, love you guys and keep dropping great info!

[Chris]

I got into the Cut and Sew style and i think its great,the store in times square is takin forever to open,this store will be the first in manhattan,and i been to the one in LI and its nice,im from queens,prolly check the one in chelsea when i get the chance soon since im in manhattan everyday.