Dear Shaded Viewers,
After a controversial pop up a few years ago, Byronesque are back this PFW with “STREETWEAR SUPPORT GROUP” at PARSONS PARIS, a pop-up shop and ‘supportive’ chats with collectors who can help in the transition from buying box-fresh to an archive-based wardrobe.
The idea is in response to Virgil Abloh’s announcement that streetwear will die and we’ll be shopping from personal archives; welcome Virgil, we’ve been waiting for you;-)
It’s a commentary on culture today that celebrates our contemporary-vintage heroes, and hopefully inspires a new generation to join us.
Not to be confused with re-sale, second-hand or vintage ‘gowns’, the ‘support program’ includes a highly edited selection of contemporary-vintage pieces from Helmut Lang,1994- 20004, Balenciaga, the Ghesquière years 2001-2004; in time for the anticipated release of ‘In His Own Words’ documentary, Margiela’s most wanted from 1995-2012, and an early collection of Alexander McQueen runway pieces from 1996-2009.
As part of the educational support being offered, Byronesque have invited 2 major collectors, Camille Bidault-Waddington, Stylist & Fashion Director, Vanity Fair France and Alexandre Samson, curator of contemporary archives at Palais Galliera to ‘share’ with Selfridges buyer, Jack Cassidy and future vintage ‘Fashion East’ designer Goom Heo; making Parsons Paris the perfect host. Details will be announced online at Byronesque.com.
In keeping with the institutional community feel of support groups, laminated signs mark the way to a sharply lit room, where a circle of chairs welcomes people looking to make the transition.
For those not ready to switch from buying box-fresh, Byronesque Merchandise branded ‘Street Wear Support Group’ will be for sale and available to order online at Byronesque.com.
To promote the sales event, Byronesque’s creative director, Justin Westover, has created a spoof Public Information Film about the impending death of streetwear with the message:
THE STREETWEAR SUPPORT GROUP POP-UP SALE IS HELD ON 29TH FEBRUARY & 1ST MARCH, 11AM-7.30PM. PRESS & COLLECTOR PREVIEW 28TH FEBRUARY 6.30-7.30PM.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY ANY OF THE ISSUES RAISED IN THIS MESSAGE, THE BYRONESQUE STREETWEAR SUPPORT GROUP MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE HELP AND ADVICE AS YOU TRANSITION FROM BOX-FRESH TO AN ARCHIVE BASED WARDROBE.
PARSONS PARIS, ROOM 201
45 Rue Saint-Roch, 75001 Paris
NO RETURNS. IT’S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.
