Dual Purpose: Mise en Scene

Former Project president and Kiki de Montparnasse co-founder Andrew Pollard opened Mise en Scène, an experimental retail concept in Venice Beach.

The latest store to hit Venice Beach’s Abbot Kinney is Mise en Scène, an innovative men’s and women’s retail concept. Andrew Pollard (former president of the Project trade show and co-founder of Kiki de Montparnasse) didn’t necessarily plan to open a store, but when he moved to Venice Beach and stumbled upon a great location, he opened Mise en Scène within six weeks. As much as it’s a retail outlet, Pollard also sees it as a think tank for customers, brands and retailers to brainstorm on new ideas and concepts. “Right now it’s all about experimenting and opening a conversation. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy and grateful that I have this space and can connect with people, because that’s what drives me.”

He’s brought in some of his favorite brands, along with local designers and artists. “A big component of our business is to support our community. We showcase local artists and vendors; for instance, there’s a guy who makes felt hats in a building across the street, so we carry them in the store. We don’t make much money on them, but it’s a way to support local artisans. We also have some found items and are looking for more one-of-a-kind pieces.” Men’s comprises half of the business, women’s is 30 percent and apothecary is 20 percent. Brands include higher-end and contemporary labels like 3 x 1, Apolis, Globe-Trotter, Hancock, Jac + Jack, Kelly Lamb, L:A Bruket, Orlebar Brown, Prospector Co., Saturdays Surf NYC, The White Briefs, Todd Snyder x Champion, Unis, Ursa Major and Want Les Essentiels de la Vie.

Another part of his model will be to launch Mise en Scène as a private label brand sold exclusively in their stores and on their website. The men’s and women’s collections will be developed within the next year, but in the meantime, he’s working on collaborative projects with other brands. E-commerce is set to launch at the beginning of the year, and he’s scouting retail spaces in New York City and others in Los Angeles. “The goal is to create a 365-degree fashion business,” he says.