Fashion’s favorite illustrator Donald Robertson—perhaps best know by his Instagram handle @drawbertson—has gone conceptual with a vibrant rotating concept shop at STORY, a gallery-meets-retail space in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. Marking a first for the retail concept, the entire shop is dedicated to the larger-than-life artist, and we’re personally besotted with the execution. Click through to check out the eye-catching exhibit for yourself, and be sure to pencil in a visit should you find yourself in NYC!
Peek Inside Donald Robertson's Pop-Up Shop
A Statement Selection
Featuring exclusive product that’s as unique as the artist himself, the store is a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind pieces. Collaborating with a range of brands, Robertson was free to experiment, creating items that feel all but mass-produced. From Warby Parker eyewear to iZZi Gadgets iPhone cases and Urbanears headphones, his signature design aesthetic takes on many forms across everyday essentials.
Modern Art
The Donald STORY also features original artwork from the too-cool creative, ranging from pop culture references (hello, The Fat Jewish) to Robertson’s signature lip prints. Mostly depicted on unexpected mediums—think pizza boxes and paper bag canvases—the imaginative brushstrokes are the perfect blend of cheeky and chic. Plus, the heavy dose of color is impossible to resist.
If product collabs and original art weren’t enough, Robertson also serves as creative director for Smashbox—enter: The rotating shop's Kiss and Makeup lip bar where you can mix your own lip gloss. What’s better than a custom shade by the man who’s notorious for lips?
Something For The Kids
What’s more? The unparalleled concept shop serves as the release of Robertson’s first children's book, Mitford at the Fashion Zoo, featuring a style savvy giraffe setting out to conquer the fashion industry with an Anna Wintour-inspired boss. Almost more amusing than the storybook synopsis is the life-size stuffed animal display and large-scale wall mural. Naturally we were taken by Mitford’s whimsical charm in book, pillow and mural form.
Moral of the story: the Donald Robertson store is a must-see if you’re in New York, and proof that the artist is more than deserving of his win as the CFDA’s Instagrammer of the Year. As the fashion industry continues to be charmed by illustrator artists—Prada enlisted two of our favorite illustrators Carly Kuhn and Blair Breitenstein for their latest campaign—we’re hopeful that many more imaginative stories are soon to come.
