The line between beautiful gallery installation and hi-fashion retail presentation has been further obscured by the recently opened boutique, Revolve, on Melrose. Revolve's entrance is pushed well back from the sidewalk, and even if you make your way toward the entrance, it isn't clear exactly what happens in Revolve. Corrugated black aluminum circles a massive picture window filled with visual narrative punctuated by hi-fashion.
Once inside, the presentation of apparel is clean and perfectly crafted. And then, Revolve then becomes an art gallery. The sliding glass door opens onto an enclosed courtyard surrounded by black corrugated aluminum and eight foot tall five-sided acrylic vitrines sitting atop cast concrete pedestals with built in up-lighting. Mannequins in hi-fashion can be contemplated from strategically placed steel benches. There is a proper intro explaining the concept and images to help explain the looks. Although short on interpretation, the visual narrative, superb presentation and element of surprise fit the subject perfectly.
The stylings of Eric Daman, stylist for Gossip Girl, and the beautiful gallery space at Revolve can be seen at 8452 Melrose. If you like fashion more than presentation, forget about visiting the shop and go to their site www.revolveclothing.com for an education on what's hot in fashion right now.
