Italian-Japanese fashion visionary Nicola Formichetti has brought his New York pop-up store, Nicola's, and his Nicopanda collection to Lane Crawford at the IFC Mall, and will celebrate its launch at an event tonight at the store's space, designed by architect Mark Gage, which features more than 100 futuristic Nicopanda figures.
A man who wears many hats, Formichetti is best known as the creative director of French fashion house Mugler and a close fashion inspiration for singer-songwriter Lady Gaga. He is her fashion director and the soul of Haus of Gaga - the creative team behind her distinctive style. Aptly timed, while the pop star performs her four sell-out concerts at the AsiaWorld-Expo, the pop-up store - which runs until May 31 - includes an archive of some of her most iconic outfits, including the Christian Lacroix wedding dress she wore in her music video, Judas, a black Mugler corsage and a cropped latex shirt by Void of Course.
Formichetti created the Nicopanda line last September with the launch of a series of 'MangAvatars', characters which reference his Asian heritage and his love of the bear's minimalism. A range of apparel and accessories - including iPad and iPhone skins, T-shirts, childrenswear, leather jackets, toys and gadgets, and collaborative products designed especially for Lane Crawford - are also available.
A worldwide exclusive collection, the limited edition products include mahjong sets, playing cards, umbrellas, and Moleskine notebooks featuring a personal message from Formichetti.
Also known as the fashion director of Vogue Hommes Japan and contributing editor for various fashion publications, Formichetti will be guest editing lanecrawford.com. An interactive microsite, lanecrawford.com/nicopanda, was launched on Tuesday and those
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