Title of Work Goes Brick-and-Mortar
The 450-square-foot space is on Orchard Street on the Lower East Side.
Title of Work caught the retail bug when it was awarded one of the CFDA’s Retail Lab spots at Cadillac House for three months earlier this year. And now, the men’s accessories brand has opened its first official store on New York’s Lower East Side.
The 450-square-foot store is located at 57 Orchard Street and is on the ground level of the brand’s office and showroom space.
Jonathan Meizler, Title of Work founder, described the space as “transparent retail,” where customers will be able to watch the brand’s neckwear and jewelry being made within the space. The retail component is designed to be reminiscent of an art gallery with black floors that extend 3 feet up white walls, and a 15-foot wood plank in the center to showcase the objects. A two-way mirror at the back provides a trompe l’oeil effect to the atelier in the rear.
“Historically, the Lower East Side was the garment manufacturing capital in the 19th century, and many residents of the neighborhood, particularly on Orchard Street, worked in their homes constructing garments by hand,” Meizler said. “The opening of our flagship and atelier is a nod to the rich history of handmade craftsmanship of the neighborhood, and its melting pot of diversity is often reflected in many of the themes of our collections.”
Meizler said since the Retail Lab experience, where the brand was able to “interface with clients,” he has been looking for a retail space. “Our web site is tracking very well and the next component was brick-and-mortar.” Since the store’s soft opening at the end of September, he has been pleased with the response, he said.
The store carries only the Title of
Work collection, he said, although he is considering collaborating with other brands. There are also a few vintage pieces from Meizler’s collection. And he will use the space to test new collections and concepts.
Title of Work was founded seven years ago as a beaded and embroidered neckwear collection and offers bow ties, cuff links, tie bars, pocket squares, scarves, a full line of jewelry including bracelets, necklaces and rings, gloves, and most recently, socks. The brand is sold at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Harvey Nichols and Matchesfashion.com.
Meizler said there are no plans to add other retail stores at this time, but the next potential location would be overseas.