Welcome to Seed Brklyn: A New Concept Shop in Brooklyn

Artist Christophe Roberts’s newly opened concept store, Seed Brklyn, is an amalgamation of fashion, community, culture, and art all under one roof. Known for his work as a multidisciplinary sculptor, graphic artist, and creative visionary, the Bahamian American Roberts intends to “seed the block,” or give back to the neighborhood, with this new venture.

The three-in-one location at 1217 Bedford Avenue in BedStuy, Brooklyn, houses a coffee shop, two shopping floors, and a gallery space showcasing digital works on screens. Roberts took five years to develop the concept as both a retail destination and a community space in a neighborhood that historically has not been home to luxury stores. “We’re called Seed because we’re in a land where practically nothing like this exists at this level,” Roberts tells Vogue. “So we’re hoping to plant a seed to then inform and hopefully inspire other like-minded creative businesses [to grow].”

First and foremost, the hybrid shop is intended for the people who live in the predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods surrounding the store, and young creative people. Upon entering the store, you’ll find the café, which is filled with plants—both real and those reinvented from cardboard. Alongside the plants are collectibles and merchandise by artists who inspire Roberts, including Spike Lee, Ai Wei Wei, Zaha Hadid, and Mickelene Thomas.

Roberts walked me through to the next area, which houses a rotation of apparel from established and emerging brands such as Martine Rose, Undercover, Rains, Prmtvo, and Against Medical Advice. Inspired by nature and all its forms, the lower level features a slime-green display of shoes against a wall with moss pouring out of the faux cracks. A tucked-away Japanese-inspired shoe locker and washing machine service gives shoppers the opportunity to drop off their sneakers for a 24-hour-turnaround cleaning, a service offered at just $30.