Renowned graffiti artist, Alec Monopoly, is known for incorporating iconic figures in his work.
When it came time to develop his first ever fashion collaboration with Forever 21, he drew inspiration from his street artย by incorporating symbols like Richie Richย and money stacks into the collection.ย Alec returned to his home town on Thursday, August 27 to celebrate the launch of the collection at the lower floor of the Times Square Forever 21 Flagship location. Crowds lined up for the meet and greet with Monopoly along withย shopping the collection one day before it officially launched nationwide. For those who shopped the collection early, they got a chance to get their merchandise signed by Monopoly along with an a freeย phone case as a gift with every purchase.While shoppers waited to get their picture taken with Alec, they were invited to take pictures at the special event photo booth with friends, customize their own bandana, and spray paint on the wall, adding onto to the piece Alec had startedย before the meet and greet.ย The night was also marked the unveiling of Monopoly’s first ever sculpture pieces.
The 24 piece collection includes everything from hoodies to nail stickers and stationary. The collection is available for both men and women and is priced from $2.90 to $34.90 (keeping it affordable and in line with other Forever 21 merchandise.) Our favorites include theย Alec Monopoly x Forever 21 Richie Rich Bodysuit (17.90) and theย Alec Monopoly x Forever 21 Richie Rich Teeย ($14.90). The Bodysuit would look amazing with both ย High Rise Jeansย orย Skinny Jeans. Throw a Leather Jacket around the shoulders and you have the perfectย outfit. Also, definitely borrow from the men’s collection, the Richie Rich Tee is super cute. Check out the entire collection here. It is now available nationwide at Forever 21 stores and online.ย
The Knockturnal sat down with Alec. Read our exclusive interview:
What was the inspiration behind this collaboration?
For me, itโs all about my graffiti work, Iโm a street artist and thatโs my true passion. So what I did was I translate my street work and my canvas work into the clothing line and I put a lot of work and passion into it.
I know this is your first collaboration, what made you collaborate in fashion now?
Yeah I mean, Iโve always wanted to do it, but I havenโt found the right outlet until I met with Forever 21, and this was the best way to exhibit my work and show it the right way.
What were some of your favorite pieces?
I love the pieces with the gold, just because I love gold. And I love the Richie Rich pieces because it has all the bright colors.
What was the inspiration behind your sculptures?
I was in Asia traveling and I saw a lot of Jeff Koons’ work. So I took that and added my own street style to it; in the bottom there are a lot of imperfections and tags.
Would you continue to do sculptures?
Yeah this is my first line of many [of sculptures].
What else are you working on?
I have my first museum show at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Thailand
o
[slideshow]
