Laams has brought more light to a hidden community in NYC and lets young artists to help pursue their dreams.
The Genesis
Founded by Stevie Skytel and partner Scottie in July, Laams is an art collective without the label. Rooted in having a deep sense of community and history they bring a sense of nostalgia to street artists and streetwear connoisseur.
From first glance in the space you can see that it was not like your regular clothing store. Everything has been curated by multiple different artists with different backgrounds and niche interests but still show cohesiveness and flow throughout the whole space. You can see it in the three floors they have for your starving brains. The first floor is an archivists dream ranging from rare artworks from legends such as kaws art exhibition works to futura dunks, n.e.r.d dunks, vintage original fake and other older art as well. The second floor is a little more unorthodox with it having a juice bar and having more vintage pieces as well. People also dj on the second floor to help set the vibe of the store. The third floor is definitely their most unique floor because of the energy it emits. It has a mini library and a sweatshop where the artists truly hone in on their skills and just let their imagination take control. When you want to relax you can go onto their outdoor area and talk to other creatives.
Going into the roots
To truly understand understand the space I was able to talk to the founders and get a sense of what the space truly encapsulated. I first was able to talk with New Jersey native Scottie and he is definitely not a rookie when it comes to the scene. Starting all the way back in 2003 waiting on line for sneaker drops he has been deep in the game since curating a unique style and vision. After talking to Scottie for a bit and I wanted to know and understand his perspective on the store and what it means to him. He responded with "This space is for the kids and the creative artists to do their thing. These bigger stores look at how many followers you have first thing, but I don't think you can measure an artists merit just like that, You really have to see what they do." Truly seeing the passion Scottie has not only for the space but for what it represents and brings is truly inspiring.
After that I was able to talk to Stevie, the other founder of the space and see what this space was to him and to better understand his vision. Stevie is another New Jersey native and has been in the game just as long as Scottie has also has the same vision as Scottie. This space is to not only help individuals hone in on their craft but it's also like a second home to them as well, A space that welcomes all.
Truly understanding what the founders believe their store encompasses and what the they want their space to represent I asked them their plans for the future. (So where do you see the space in three years, what are the plans?) Both: We want to have venues here in the near future once covid restrictions clear up and we are also thinking about going international in Japan and London. We already in the works of a Tokyo store.
A space founded by visionaries for for visionaries I truly believe this space brings back the best of what the NYC streetwear scene had to offer back in the day with modern twists to it. Truly the next up and coming store and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them. Thank you for the opportunity to be able to be involved in something like this. For your viewing pleasure.
