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Arts and Entertainment

LAist Goes Shopping: New High (M)art in Chinatown Showcases One-of-a-Kind Objects from Around the World

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Story by Gareen Darakjian, Special to LAist

Renewable energy is a phrase that has been dancing on everyone’s lips these days. Its physical (and metaphorical) incarnation, however, has taken the form of a super funky retail store in Chinatown - New High (M)art - where fashion and art are displayed gallery-style in thematic exhibits that owners Miho Ikeda and James “T-RIK” Brewer curate. The 6-9 week long high concept installations called “store moments” allow for a constant flow of unique pieces to entertain the eye and rouse curiosity in even the most undaunted shoppers. Of the transitional vignettes, the co-owners explain, “Every once in a while, we just rip everything down to a blank canvas and start again with a different focus, designer or theme.” To that effect, the store is packed with trinkets and one-of-a-kinds inspired by word-of-mouth and finds from shows and markets around the globe. Thematic tableaus celebrate the creativity of big names and unknowns to reveal energetic and momentous fashion movements. We captured the moveable feast in its past and current states. New High (M)art is located at 741 New High Street in Chinatown. Shop online to find Grey Ant Status Sunglasses and check out their blog for store news.

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