Spoiler
Posting Freak
Posts: 1899
Registered: 4-23-2005
Member Is Offline
Mood: All that scene philosophy never meant a goddamned thing to me
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men's clothing store to open in former CBGB building
Former CBGB Space To Be Occupied By VARVATOS Men's Clothing Store - Nov. 5, 2007
John Varvatos Enterprises has announced the opening of its latest boutique at 315 Bowery in New York City, the space that formerly housed the seminal
underground music club CBGB. Varvatos, known for infusing his personal passion for rock and roll into his acclaimed menswear collections, is aiming
for a spring 2008 opening.
The opportunity to take over the defunct club arose when Varvatos was viewing the adjacent space at 313 Bowery for an entirely separate purpose.
Overwhelmed by a desire to see the shuttered venue where he had attended countless shows over the years, Varvatos asked the lease-holder if he could
take a look. Once inside, the designer was inspired to do what he could to help keep the spirit of CBGB alive in its original East Village location.
"The space had been empty for the better part of a year as we searched for the right tenant. John Varvatos is ideal because he has a real reverence
for the history of the space and every intention of honoring its legacy," said Elliott Azrak of Azrak Capital Group. Azrak's Rebel Rebel Realty took
over the lease in 2006 after the exit of long-time tenant Hilly Kristal.
John Varvatos — the man and the brand- has ties to the world of music that run deep. An avid fan of such bands as LED ZEPPELIN, THE WHO, THE
REPLACEMENTS, and THE NEW YORK DOLLS since his teen years growing up in Detroit, Varvatos now features legendary rockers in his advertising campaigns.
The ads, photographed by Grammy-nominated music documentarian Danny Clinch, have showcased Slash, Ryan Adams, Alice Cooper, and CBGB alum Iggy Pop,
wearing Varvatos' signature designs. With a nod to THE RAMONES, Varvatos also collaborates with Converse on a line of sneakers and clothing. In
addition, Varvatos has played host to an array of legendary rockers, including THE NEW YORK DOLLS who performed at the launch of the Converse by John
Varvatos clothing collection, Jesse Malin at The Highline to benefit Free Arts NYC, and most recently, Perry Farrell at a benefit for the VH1 Save The
Music Foundation, a charity of which John is also a board member. Frequent CBGB performer and East Village local Jesse Malin commented, "After getting
to know John over the years and seeing him host wonderful live music performances, I can't think of anyone better to keep the spirit and soul of rock
music alive on the Bowery in the old CBGB's location."
Varvatos is thrilled about the new location that comprises 3,300 square feet in the original club space. "This store is going to be totally unique,
different from our other boutiques," said the designer. "We're going to make it a great way to look back at this remarkable history but also forward
to what's happening in music today." Among the many ideas being considered for the new store are a special merchandise mix geared to a rock and roll
customer, a stage permanently integrated into the store design, an in-store performance series featuring up and coming musical artists, and a new John
Varvatos collection designed specifically for 315 Bowery, from which a portion of the proceeds would benefit an artist development fund. "I think it's
great … now all the old CBGB punks will become the best-dressed CBGB punks in the world," declared Alice Cooper.
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BDx13
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wonder what HIS rent is gonna be.
If I fail math, there goes my chance at a good job and a happy life full of hard work.
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clevohardcore
* Kick\'n ass on the wild side *
Posts: 12937
Registered: 9-19-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sick Of It All, Youth Of Today
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I just bought some of his cologne.
Each aspect of the soul has it's own part to play, but the ideal is harmonious agreement with reason and control.
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MyOwnWay
Posting Freak
Posts: 1786
Registered: 1-27-2005
Location: Pennsylvania
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Kinda cool that he acknowledges the once legacy of the club.
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