Imogene + Willie is bringing its southern drawl to the Big Apple this week.
The “Made in USA” men’s and women’s lifestyle brand will host a popup Nov. 6-8 at Sabah’s Bleecker Street store.
“We are bringing some of our latest pieces most suited for autumn in New York: our newest collection of sweaters and outerwear for men and women, several unisex tops and bottoms, fresh graphic tees and accessories, and of course, a few key denim styles,” said Jackie Berkley, Imogene + Willie’s community director.
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Imogene + Willie will also feature pieces from the Cotton Project initiative, including denim and tees made from fabric sourced and manufactured in a traceable supply chain within a 400-mile radius from the brand’s headquarters in Nashville.
Sabah specializes in contemporary Turkish leather slippers made in Gaziantep, Turkey. The brand also has small workshop in El Paso, Texas. Berkley describe the brand as a “great brand connector and collaborator.”
“They regularly host brands and artists for pop ups in their spaces and have a rotating assortment of third-party goods featured in their stores,” she added.
The popup is Sabah’s way to return a favor that began in 2019 when Imogene + Willie hosted the footwear brand at its Nashville flagship. The handmade brand continues to popup at the store twice a year. Additionally, when Imogene + Willie opened a store in Austin, they invited Sabah to take residence in the building on the property.
“We discovered the two brands are based on many of the same values and principals, of making something well and wearing it as long as possible,” Berkley said. “The Imogene + Willie team each wore a new pair of Sabah shoes in advance of the activation to be able to speak to customers about the experience of the break-in process, as it relates to that of wearing denim. Over time, the shoes become more comfortable and a better fit; but fun colors and patterns inspire the wearer to build a collection.”
Berkley said the goal for the popup is to engage with the brand’s growing and dedicated audience in the New York area. Despite not having a retail presence in New York City, the brand has developed a large customer base in the NYC-area and sees a growing footprint.
“We’ve received a strong response to having a greater physical presence there, and this popup will be a great way to gauge interest for something longer term. While we don’t have a store actively opening there yet, we are certainly open to these opportunities,” she said.
