Here's an event I'm glad I missed. Jeremiah of Vanishing New York went to check out the opening party of the abortive new John Varvatos boutique, which has taken up residence inside the space formerly occupied by CBGB. Protesters showed up with signs. Heated words were exchanged. Some fading Punks and rock stars who really ought to have known better came out, sadly, in defense of the Varvatos shop (et tu, Joan Jett?). The whole thing sounds like a bad time. Read Jeremiah's full report by clicking here.
It seems like the party line to tow is that it's somehow better for the space to now be a ridiculously contrived and deplorably expensive boutique with a kitschy rock vibe than "a bank or a Starbucks." I beg to differ. The more the Varvatos organization tries to shamelessly appropriate its storied predecessor's legacy, the more it makes me miss the definite article. I'd rather it be a fuckin' Jamba Juice than a shop wherein to buy $800 bondage trousers. All involved parties should be ashamed of themselves.
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