B.NY CELEBRATES A DECADE OF JAPANESE COUTURE IN SANTA MONICA

Sept. 19 anniversary soirée to feature designers, unveiling of inspired redesign.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Sept. 15, 2002 -- For a decade, Angelenos in search of the latest in Asian and European couture have found a store that fits their tastes like a tailored Issey Miyake suit: B.NY in Santa Monica. Now B.NY is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new look all its own. On Thursday, Sept. 19, the store unveils its highly-anticipated redesign at a black and white anniversary reception to be attended by some of the stores most prominently-featured designers and artisans.

For 10 years we have flourished by staying committed to offering only the best in wearable fashion, with a focus on Asian couture" says Greg Niebel, owner of B.NY. Fine clothing deserves a fine home. B.NYs new design reflects that commitment down to the last detail."

Anthony Smitt, a former window dresser for Barneys New York, masterminded the revamping of the stores look. Smitt revitalized the commercial space into something of a high fashion New York boutique, shedding light on displays and clothes that customers once walked past.

The new B.NY has larger window displays with textured backdrops made to look like origami in flight. It also features warmer lighting that highlights pieces in the cherry wood, copper and steel interior. With the clothes as the designs central focus, the fashions of Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garcons, Masatomo, Girbaud, Martin Margiela and other fashion greats take center stage at the new B.NY.

B.NYs 10th anniversary reception will take place from 5-9pm on Thursday, Sept. 19. White wine, sake and Japanese finger foods will be served.
Slated to be on hand are designers from Great China Wall, A&G and Martin Martin; artists Gregg Fleishman and Koji Takei; and Ashley Lowengrub from Ilana Goor Jewelry.