StyleStamped Retail News: Jay-Z + Barneys NY

The self-proclaimed best rapper alive may one day soon turn out to be the best rapper business man alive, if he’s not already. Every time I turn around Jay has a new business venture! He’s unstoppable and quite frankly, its inspiring. To me, he’s an example of someone who realized his talent, went hard with it, got put on, then worked it from every angle. And just think, he began by selling CD’s out of his car because no one would give him a record deal. Fast forward 20 years, and there is nothing in the world that Jay-Z could not get. Including an exclusive Christmas shop at Barney’s New York.  Crazy!

Jay-Z brings attention wherever he goes….and Barney’s knows this.  Barney’s also knows that music influences fashion.  The retailer previously partnered with Lady Gaga (who is the epitome of attention) for their 2011 Holiday Shop.  So moving on to a smart, savvy, and as of late very very dapper musician this time around is not a bad idea.  Jay-z doesn’t bring the attention grabbing get-up that Gaga brings, but he does bring the fashion that Barney is serving.  And I’m sure they’ve heard that he doesn’t pop molly, he rocks Tom Ford which is right up their alley.

“Used to rock a throwback, ballin’ on the corner;
Now I rock a tailored suit looking like a owner”
(Jay-Z, On to the Next One)

“I don’t pop Molly I rock Tom Ford”
(Jay-Z, Tom Ford)

For the collaboration with the elitist retailer, Jay-Z worked with high-end designers and  brands such as Balenciaga, Balmain, Proenza Schouler, Acne Studios, Lanvin, Rick Owens, and more to create custom pieces that will be sold boutique-style inside of the Barneys New York store entitled BNY SCC Gallery.  BNY SCC  (Barneys New York Shawn Corey Carter (the rappers given name)) will take up 1500 sq ft of luxe gallery space on the third floor of the Madison Avenue store.  The theme is “A New York Holiday.” I love it!!

“And if somebody woulda told ’em that Hov’ would sell clothin
Heh, not in this lifetime, wasn’t in my right mind
That’s another difference that’s between me and them
Heh, I’m smarten up, open the market up”
(Jay-Z, U Don’t Know)

Jay-Z is New York, for anyone who may not know. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jay has always repped our city and state to the fullest. He gives NY love in his lyrics repeatedly. He is a Brooklyn boy that the world has gotten used to. And he’s right, he’s made the Yankee hat more famous than any Yankee player ever has. He bleeds blue. He’s from Marcy, he’s varsity.  Everyone else is JV.  Jay-Z tells WWD “With this project, Barneys New York and I were able to take the slickness, energy and innovation of New York City and translate that into quality, timeless pieces.”  “If you close your eyes and think about who best represents New York and stands for the city, you can’t help but think about Shawn Carter,” explained company CEO Mark Lee.  My eyes are closed but they will be wide open on November 20th to check out this shop!

“Watch out! We run New York”
(Jay-Z, Takeover)

“Everything that encompasses ‘A New York Holiday’—the items chosen, the amazing designers that participated, the windows, the design of the BNY SCC Gallery—represents a perfect example of a unique and groundbreaking collaboration that I hope demonstrates how inspiring New York has been to me,” Carter told WWD.

“One hand in the air for the big city
Street lights, big dreams, all lookin’ pretty
No place in the world that could compare
Put your lighters in the air
Everybody say “yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah”
(Jay-Z/Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind)

So what exclusive items will be featured in this shop? So far we know that a sleek black leather backpack by Balenciaga, a hoodie from Rick Owens, and an 18-karat gold double ring by Hoorsenbuhs is on the list. The shop will be open between November 20 through January 3rd at Barneys flagship stores and Barneys.com. Twenty five percent of all sales will benefit the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

Jay-Z certainly continues his American Dreamin’ while we all sit back and take notes. He’s doing the damn thing, excuse my french. I’m really excited to see this collaboration between New York, art, Hip-Hop, Street Style meets Luxury and rags to riches…literally! I’ve followed Jay-Z since ’95 and he’s still on top. Not many people can say that. And his ventures continue to expand. I’m proud of my fellow New Yorker and can’t wait to see the BNY SCC collabo in person! He’s doing big things. Don’t believe it just watch!

“Carter, new Kennedy
No ordinary Joe, you’ll remember me
No prohibition for my coalition
Colin Powell, general admission
You’re all welcome, new Malcolm, of the talcum”
(Jay-Z, 100$ Bill)