For Jonathan Meizler, title of work has always existed as a way to “merge the worlds of art and fashion” – and with his latest retail endeavor, he did just that.

At his brand’s space on the Lower East Side, which also functions as the company headquarters, the designer displays his collection of finely curated accessories alongside the work from various rising artists.

One of the first to reside in the space is Erik Winkowski, a video collage artist that has collaborated with Hermes and Prada. The artists is just one of many that will maintain residency in the innovative space – with new talent rotating every three months.

We got an exclusive tour of the space with Meizler, and heard all about his vision for ‘transparent retail.’ Hear what he has to say, and explore the new location below!

Congratulations on this beautiful store. What inspired you to open your own freestanding retail store, and why now?

Thanks! To be completely transparent, our lease was up in the Flatiron studio, and we were looking for an atelier with a retail component. We immediately were drawn to this space on Orchard – it has great light, 16-foot, original tin ceilings and a store front.  We couldn’t have asked for a more ideal space that reflects our brand identity.

Why does this specific location feel like the right place for you? What do you love about this neighborhood specifically?

The lower east side is AWESOME. To me, it still retains the history and flavor of ‘old NY.’ It meshes the hipster vibe of art galleries, great restaurants, and independent retail to the grit of Chinatown and Alphabet City, It keeps me inspired on a daily basis. From the architecture, to the cultural diversity, to the specific odors, it is challenging to be bored here.

How would you describe the overall look and feel of the store?

Modern, austere, gallery-minded.

What are some design elements that are your favorite part about this store?

The space is grounded by a 15’ solid piece of poplar that is organic and sexy, and created a steel light fixture that runs the entire length of the plank. We incorporated nine light boxes that are placed in a grid dropping from the ceiling- it has a futuristic quality that contrasts the original tin ceiling. We incorporated an oversized two-way mirror which, when seen close up, provides a direct view of the atelier in the back of the space. The idea of creating ‘transparent retail,’ where clients can see firsthand how pieces are actually created, offers an authenticity that’s often lost in the present world of fashion.

You merge fashion with art through a series of artist installations that make your store feel like a chic gallery. What inspired you to do this?

The vision and mission of title of work is to merge the worlds of art and fashion.  This is exactly as I imagined it…

Where do you see the intersection of art and fashion?

I explore process and technique as an Artist and Designer. Through fabric manipulation, painting and sculpture, my work takes on all mediums which gives me a creative freedom that I wasn’t able to fully incorporate when I was designing ready to wear.

Tell us about the current artist on show. How has his work inspired your collection?

Erik Winkowski is a video collage artist who merges vintage and present footage with graphic animation. It’s the present and future of AR. He has collaborated with Hermes and Prada, and is currently working on a project with Adobe. The humor, intelligence and process mirrors our sensibility.

How did you select this artist, and how does the work fit with your current collection?

I work with artists that I resonate with on an artistic and gut level. And we rotate the exhibits every three months.

Who are some of the artists you hope to exhibit?

We are constantly researching recent graduates from the major art schools, as well as more established artists. I enjoy working with young artists and give them a platform that they most likely would not have in this climate, and ultimately aid them in the launch of their career.  It is important that there is a synergy with our respective work.

How do you feel this store tells the story of your brand?

Our brand story is told through the lens of the art world. The space is designed with the nomenclature of a gallery, and the collection is front and center. The retail component organically transitioned into a space that houses a medley of eclectic influences/random “objects.”  The store is the physical manifestation of the fact that each title of work collection draws inspiration from a series of sources (fine art, science, culture, photography, architecture) and that is what makes it so interesting/peculiar.

What’s the next step for your brand?

The process of developing and designing new categories keeps me motivated. I’m a bit obsessed with scent and am currently creating a collection of gender-neutral fragrances.  I am also working on a small leather goods capsule. There are a few interesting collaborations that are in the works that I cannot comment on at the moment. Bottom line is that I feel it is important to grow slowly and organically as each piece should be very well considered.