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Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
In Support Of is more than your one stop boutique, it’s the home of roughly 30 independent, New York-based designers including 4779, Apiece Apart, Aza Ziegler: Calle del Mar, C. Keller, Tarin Thomas, CHRISHABANA, Ebony Fleur, Nomia and Eleanor Kalle to name a few.
The storefront resembles a replica movie theatre, which is just one portion of what In Support Of has to offer. Each designer featured in the boutique tells a story as compelling as the clothing with quality of design, perspective and ease of wear, while demanding a strong point of view and voice. “The whole idea is to bring this concept of creativity and art to clothing in here,” says founding partner Tanya Sheikh. “We always appreciate when a collection has a strong story behind it,” adds co-partner Ivan Gilkes.
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
As you walk in, the movie theatre quickly turns into an intimate ambience with a green grass wall, mannequins in pink wigs and an array of classic and edgy pieces that Ivan and Tanya refer to as the “deconstructed white picket fence.” The boutique that houses the many designers serves as a home for its community through the organizations In Support Of works with, and the solid foundation they aim to build despite their own imperfections.
Inspired by social change, diverse views and philanthropic motives, Ivan Gilkes and Tanya Sheikh, founders of In Support Of, believe the key to building a business is making sure your business is helping the community and its people as well.
“If we are doing something that’s giving us this option to create a voice, we should also stand for creating positive change also,” says Ivan.
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
In Support Of is very involved in community building and youth development. “We’re really big on community building and also we work with non-profits every year, and part of proceeds of the store go to that non-profit,” says Tanya.
In addition to donating a percentage of its proceeds, the boutique host series of events to raise awareness for each organization. Giving back has always been a strong factor in Tanya’s life. She has used her background in fine arts to shine light on dark matters.
“I have to give a voice to under privilege people or a group of people that don’t have the platform, so for me that’s just a model that’s always been dear to me,” Tanya says.
In Support Of is located in the Meatpacking District, where they have received support from other the local businesses and the MPIA, in which they belong to. “They’ve been really wonderful the past few months that we’ve been working with them, they’ve been trying to get us on board with certain initiatives and everything that we’re really gearing up for,” Tanya says. “It seems like everyone is excited about what we’re doing because at the end of the day, it can’t just be about selling clothes, it’s gotta to be about more and so I think that you kind of need to get that vibe when you come in here and see our collection.”
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
In Support Of currently carries women’s clothing ranging from $200-$3000 and perfumes, accessories and skincare products ranging from $60-$400.
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
Talks of Ivan and Tanya branching into other ventures have been buzzing between the two for a while, although a men’s line doesn’t seem likely. The two mentioned goals of a children’s store, expanding their beauty offerings and possibly putting In Support Of on the racks.
“I’ve thought of it, I’m aware in that when I’m thinking of how I’m personally going to dress for the next season. I come up with these things so I would probably translate that into whatever collection that we’re doing, [and] be sort of in this range of wearable but beautiful pieces that might not immediately scream at you, but when you look at them you’ll say ‘Wow’,” says Ivan.
Photo courtesy of Krissy Lewis
Although there’s no date on when to expect an In Support Of collection, Tanya reassures us it will reflect her feminine yet tomboyish style to create the perfect amount of forwardness to make it understandable and wearable. However Tanya expresses it won’t happen right away.
“I feel like there’s a lot going on, we really want to make sure that everything is solid here when it comes to the charity we’re working with, making sure its given the proper platform; there’s a lot going on right now, it’s definitely a goal in the next few years,” she says.
-By Krissy Lewis