Stockist’s Digest | Colbo
Since Collection 001 An Irrational Element has focused distributing its products through curated stockists worldwide. Coming from a retail background I’ve always been fascinated by retailers curating a selection of goods from multiple makers and creating their own universe by doing so. Whilst many brands and makers have their own universe it could be considered an art form to take fragments from these universes and create a whole new experience. In Stockist’s Digest An Irrational Element’s retail partners will be featured through the eye of An Irrational Element. As the An Irrational Element partners are dispersed globally the format through which a retailer is highlighted may differ.
Colbo storefront #1
Colbo storefront #2
In 2021 I got in touch with Tal, one of the founders of Colbo. At the time Tal was setting up Colbo and we got An Irrational Element in the store during Colbo’s first season. Just having celebrated their 2 year anniversary the store, located at 51 Orchard Street New York City, has been the center of many festivities, events, brands and makers. Upon entering the store there is a clear sense of intrinsic identity. Offering a mix of selected brands next to their in house brand there is also a hang out space to enjoy beverages that can be ordered at the counter.
Colbo slipmat
Colbo, a peek inside
Records & An Irrational Element goods
Creating a community is often an overused marketing & business design as it usually stems from the sole purpose of monetary benefit. Looking at Colbo one would argue that they embody all aspects of true and genuine community builders. Through countless events they have opened up their space for all kinds of makers and initiators. With An Irrational Element being based in Europe these events were always experienced from the digital sideline as Colbo gives great impressions of their roster of activities through Instagram . Luckily last PFW Colbo brought their experience to Paris and hosted daily events featuring music, clothing, food & more. It was a great opportunity for the people visiting Paris at the time to get a taste of what Colbo does and meet the team.
Eldar & Tal
An Irrational Element & miscellaneous
Standard Mule & World Rover Sweater
Over the course of time I have had the pleasure to have met more people of the Colbo team like Eldar, Daniel and others. It made spending a day at their store during my visit to NYC even more exciting. With the new AW23 collection in store, alongside exclusive patchwork shirts made from scrap materials, I got to meet friends and customers that day. It gave a further insight of what I have been seeing through Colbo’s digital channels. The insight being that Colbo is creating an extended retail experience that is both unique and genuine. Whether it be regulars or first time visitors there seemed to be space (in the broader sense of the word) for all of them. Although I do not have the customer perspective Colbo does remind me of days where I would visit my local skate shop to just spend time. Some days I would purchase things, other days I was just spending times with friends and shop employees as it felt like a communal space as well. There is a similar sense to Colbo, visitors have a drink, a conversation, a browse through the goods or it’s a mixture of what is mentioned above.
Daniel wearing the Artist Shoes
Having said all this, I could only encourage everyone to visit Colbo if they are able to do so. If you are not able to visit the store physically then turn your eyes to the Colbo website and Instagram where you will find a curation of their activities, goods & style.