Galleries : What's In A Name
When I was an actor in NYC during the mid 80s and early 90s, my day job was a conglomeration of fashion sales and window display. That was when SoHo was really was SoHo, and not Madison Avenue South. It parlayed me into a career as a fashion stylist for advertising and retail. During those years I witnessed a true master of branding and retail, Mickey Drexler, who transformed a khaki pant chain into Banana Republic - one of the decade's determining brands for modern fashion basics.
Photo by CK Wolfson
As fate would have it, Mr. Drexler, that visionary of retail, became a client of my own brand, PIKNIK, whose early incarnation as a hardcore vintage go-to spot from the mid 90s on, claimed a faithful flock of devotees. I was equally as proud to have lured many an up-Island patron to our little 'hood that came to be known as The Arts District. Following Banana Republic's example, I was inspired to change and grow. I traveled my own path from kitsch to couture, creating a gallery of fine art in the studio, alongside my collection of uniquely designed apparel, while continuing to maintain the PIKNIK brand.
One of my favorite museums is the Isabella Stewart Gardner in Boston, not for the collection itself, but for the way it is presented. It is in that same spirit that I try to present PIKNIK's collections, whether the work is done by a new Island painter, or a long time Vineyard artisan.
My challenge is to deliver the very best I can find in fine art, wearable art, and unique home goods within our narrow window of a season. And my goal is to lay it all out in a way that creates a fulfilling visual experience.
Michael Hunter, owner PIKNIK Art & Apparel, Oak Bluffs. 508-693-1366.
