The long wait will finally come to an end for the the Japanese streetwear brand Visvim to open its first flagship retail location on the west coast, Visvim Exposition. Most known for their FBT moccasins and recent velcro slide, the brand has a cult-like following of Hypebeasts and Hypebaes thirsty for the next drop of a Visvim sneaker or t-shirt. Located smack dab in the center of the ever-growing downtown Los Angeles scene at 304 S Broadway. To make matters even more aesthetically pleasing, the concept store will be in the historical Bradbury Building, next to Acne and up the street from The Ace Hotel.
Originally a menswear brand, designer Hiroki Nakamura started Visvim in 2000. Today, the brand has transformed and expanded globally into the US with its first womenswear collection and store, WMV located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hiroki and his wife Kelsi collaborated on WMV, which opened in 2017.
His innate ability to encapsulate functionality through military inspired workwear is emulated through his lifestyle brand. Nakamura utilizes time-honored Japanese tradition while simultaneously tying in modernized western utilitarian wear. The brand is a cross between vintage inspired basics and the flashy street aesthetic of the coasts in the United States. Visvim Exposition will be the first concept flagship store of its kind in the world.
The store acts as a gallery displaying each garment and shoe as a work of art. The DTLA store has interior design elements that embody Hiroki Nakamura’s vintage aesthetic, including: a 1950’s Airstream trailer, World War II era military tent, and antique furniture pieces made by George Nakashima throughout the store. The brands SS18 and PF18 men’s and WMV women’s collection will be showcased at the new store. Visvim Exposition will be the 9th store in the global market, 7 locations in Japan and now 2 locations in the United States.
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Written by Adrienne Hayden
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