5 in 1

I’m working from home this weekend, but thought I’d take the chance to tell you about 5 in 1, a retail co-op I’m part of in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  I was working there on Friday, and realized I hadn’t mentioned it here as part of my design process, despite the fact that it has become an integral part of my work schedule.

Open only Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 5 in 1 is run by eight local designers (and friends), including Helena Fredriksson of H.Fredriksson, Caroline Priebe of ULURU, Mary Meyer of Mary Meyer Clothing, Susan Domelsmith of Dirty Librarian Chains, and, of course, yours truly. Each of the designers has to man the shop one full weekend every six to eight weeks, although we get to decide what “work” actually involves, whether it’s one-on-one tête-à-têtes with clients, trunk shows, sample sales, or something more experimental.

The 5 in 1 retail space gives designers an opportunity to work together, share resources, experiment and give the customer a personal and curated shopping experience. A 5 in 1 customer is able to engage in conversation with the designer about their process, materials, fit, concept, and cost. These sort of exchanges are not only good for the business but nourish them as artists personally, creatively, and emotionally.

The next time you’re in Brooklyn on a weekend, take a few minutes to check out the store and talk to the designer working that day, I promise it will be worth it.