Well, the madwomen of Peoria are at it again.
It’s no secret that Pat & Elena have ventured into the concrete jungle before: my wife Sofie did a great deal of our holiday shopping at Peoria’s to-die-for kiosk at Bryant Park where the Peorian aesthetic proved irresistible to even the most jaded Manhattanite.
It became clear to Pat & Elena that it was time to launch another Emporium and establish some new roots.
Drum roll please ...
Monday, March 1, PEORIA EMPORIUM opens its third store at 25 East 20th Street, New York.
Elena & Pat in front of PE NYC
Sofie & I are aflame with anticipation as to what kind of wild atmosphere the gals will come up with this time, let alone what new goodies are in store. Pun intended.
One of the things we most admire about PE is the exquisite marriage of must-have merch & inspired decor. It’s a very unique, harmonic and colorful marriage, like, well … Sofie & me.
This fabulous artisan-crafted stool is a great example of Peoria’s approach: assembling disparate elements and applying them to ordinary household items in an invigorating and extraordinary way. Furniture treated as collage.
Obama stool
The stool has a hand painted finish, and the wonderful feet are fashioned from display-grade astroturf because, well … why not?
Most impressive is the Obama fabric, which is an exclusive Peoria discovery imported from a small design firm in Cape Town, South Africa.
This fantastic item is a must-have for any party affiliation! I dare say the stool itself is a party! And let’s face it, how often to you get to sit on a president’s face? Clinton notwithstanding.
“Every year the holiday shopping season comes alive with The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park.
Entering its eighth season, this European inspired market offers access to a juried collection of unique artisans from around the world.”
One hundred twenty-five vendors are selected from countless applicants, and Peoria was thrilled to be included once again this year. Many of the kiosks are thoughtfully designed and offer wonderful merchandise. In keeping with the Peoria-brand esthetic of providing unconventional (WILD!) retail spaces, Pat and Elena — P.E.’s resident “conversionistas” — have created another unique shopping atmosphere.
Off the wall merchandise … on the wall.
Recent consumer quotes:
“This shop is one bizarre bazaar! Capital F.U.N. I have an ear-to-ear grin whenever I visit Peoria.”
“Affordable one-of-a-kind couture. Wearable art. What a colorful bang for your buck.”
“I’ve never enjoyed hemorrhaging money this much.”
———————————————————————
A PILE OF GOOD LUCK!
In keeping with Peoria’s predilection for environmental eccentricity, Elena and Pat installed a bright green Astroturf floor at Bryant Park this year. Several shoppers expressed their amusement at this pastoral touch, which also proved to be comfy underfoot.
This lawn-like floor treatment also provided unexpected attention from a certain canine shopper who shall remain nameless. Let’s just say that this particular shopper expressed himself too — and leave it at that!
A few paper towels and a spritz of Windex later, sanitary order was restored to Peoria. The canine in question was then also scooped up and confined to a Prada tote.
Pat and Elena were advised that this bowwow bonbon was actually considered good luck in some cultures, which proved true when the perpetrator and contrite owner left with an overflowing bag of new purchases.
