Seed Brklyn, a new concept store opened by artist Christophe Roberts, A fusion of fashion, community, culture and art under one roof. Known for his work as a multidisciplinary sculptor, graphic artist and creative visionary, Bahamian-American Roberts intends to “seed” or give back to the community through this new venture.
The three-in-one position is at 173 Brooke Lin BedStuy’s Bedford Avenue houses a coffee shop, two shopping floors and a gallery space that displays digital works on screen. Roberts spent five years developing the concept into a retail destination and a community space that was not historically home to luxury stores. “We’re called Seed because we’re in a land where almost nothing like this exists at this level,” Roberts told Vogue. “So we want to plant a seed that then informs and hopefully inspires other like-minded creative businesses [to grow].”
)
Photo: Greg Travers/Seed Brklyn
First, the hybrid store is geared towards people who live in the predominantly black and brown neighborhoods surrounding the store, as well as young creatives . Once you enter the store, you’ll find a café filled with plants—both real and repurposed from cardboard. In addition to plants, there are collectibles and merchandise from artists who inspired Roberts, including Spike Lee, Ai Wei Wei, Zaha Hadid and Mickelene Thomas.
Roberts escorted me to the next area which showcases Martine Rose, Undercover, Rains, Prmtvo and Against Medical Advice etc. Clothing from established and emerging brands. Inspired by nature and all its forms, the lower floors feature slime green shoes displayed against the walls, with moss pouring out of man-made cracks. A hidden Japanese-style shoe cabinet and washing machine service gives shoppers the opportunity to put their sneakers in one -hour turnaround cleaning service for just $.
Photo: Greg Travers/Seed Brklyn
Roberts’ goal is to make these brands – from vintage Margiela to newly released Maharishi – available outside Manhattan. “A lot of the brand assortments you see here have never been on BedStuy,” said Roberts, who said the pandemic has given him room to imagine different things.
The last stop on our tour was what the team called the Oasis, a showcase of digital artwork futuristic gallery space. Among the artists on show is Ceej Vega, a collaborator of the late Virgil Abloh. “Details, feel, inspiration. I want you to get into this space and forget about the outside,” says Roberts. The goal is to deliver, inform and inspire.
Photo: Greg Travers/Seed Brklyn
Seed Brklyn Greenhouse Entrance
Vogue Favorites
What Gigi Hadid open letter to paparazzi means celebrity kids
Best Romantic Comedy Ever
What I Learned From Dating Zodiac Signs thing
These are the best books to read 173
Sign up for Vogue‘s shopping newsletter The Get for an insider’s guide on what to buy and how to wear
