style in progress 1/2023 – KITH PARIS

THE NEXT VIRGIL ABLOH

Ronnie Fieg seems omnipresent at the moment. The founder and owner of Kith has established himself as an industry legend through his designs, his high-profile collaborations, and – last but not least – his monumental stores. His appointment as Creative Director of the New York Knicks in November last year was simply the crowning achievement of the creative high performer, who is currently disrupting the industry on all fronts.

When the first Kith store launched in Paris in February 2021, Ronnie Fieg made a bold statement in the heart of Europe’s fashion capital. He occupied three floors and the central courtyard of the historic Pershing Hall Building on Rue Pierre Charron, located squarely in Paris’ famous Golden Triangle, the neighbourhood where much of France’s economic wealth is concentrated in the form of businesses and luxury stores. To date, it is the largest of all Kith stores worldwide. With a carefully curated portfolio of approximately 100 brands, and especially through the Kith-for-collaborations, Kith is emblematic of the potential and relevance of streetwear in fashion, and how casually it blends with high couture. The store in Paris delivers a full lifestyle experience in a unique setting. Kith Treats is the in-house ice cream and cereal bar, and with Kith for Sadelle’s, the team has successfully imported the renowned New York cult restaurant to Paris.

He achieves what others do not even dare to dream about, for example being appointed as Creative Director of the New York Knicks. Ronnie Fieg is currently the fulcrum of the creative scene. Via Kith, he is consistently expanding his approach to fashion.

In partnership with architecture firm Snarkitecture, Kith designed the entrance area, as in all stores, featuring moulded sneakers suspended from the ceiling. Kith chooses a different sneaker silhouette for each new continent. In Paris, it was the Air Max 1 as a tribute to Centre Pompidou.

The glass-covered courtyard features a ceiling-high wall of plants, designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, and restaged by Jardins de Babylone.

Kith is a byword for the most exclusive sneaker releases and collaborations. These high standards are also reflected in the furnishings of the menswear area, featuring heavy furniture, walnut panelling, and brass shelves in a lounge atmosphere.