The subject line of B-Mail Issue 30 on May 3, 2023 was "The apricot cornetto is divine", a reference to my first experience having coffee and a pastry at Rhythm Zero back when their Greenpoint doors first opened.
Since then, the Bandit family and the Rhythm Zero family, led by founders Ivana & Alex, have become about as close as two brands can come. When I caught wind the legendary corner space at 328 Bleecker Street was opening up, I physically ran over from Bandit HQ to Rhythm Zero (sweating like a maniac) and asked them if they wanted to go in on it together. They hopped on their Vespa a few minutes later (this is a true story) and went to see the space. The text came through shortly after: "We're in. Let's do it."
The rest is history and we could not be more excited to be opening up our Bandit Flagship store alongside Rhythm Zero this weekend.
Here's 5 dreams with Ivana & Alex...
1. Dream cultural experience to take part in?
Alex wants to do a motorcycle diary like Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in Long Way Up—Starting from Ushuaia, Argentina through South and Central America to LA, meeting different cultures and people through his journey. My maximum on a bike is 1 hour and 15 mins (very specific), so I say we go to Japan!
2. Dream restaurant collaboration?
3. Dream celebrity customer?
Marina Abramovic, always.
Editors note: Rhythm Zero is named after a six-hour long endurance art performed by the Serbian performance artist Marina Abramović in Naples in 1974. The work involved Abramović standing still while the audience was invited to do to her whatever they wished, using one of 72 objects she had placed on a table.
4. Dream city (other than NY) to open a Rhythm Zero in?
Alex says Rome (of course), I say Barcelona. But together we say Mexico City – should we? ;)
5. Dream artist to do an exhibit/gallery showing in your space
Chloe Wise. NSFW... Depending on where you work. (Photo: Richie Shazam, Interview Magazine 2021)
6. Dream piece of furniture for Rhythm Zero?
Pierre Jeanneret, Pigeonhole Desk
7. Dream way to torture & murder Tim & Nick West (2/3 Bandit Co-Founders) after the store build is done?
What are you talking about? Nick is perfectly safe!
8. Dream ~anything~ collaboration?
Noguchi Museum. (Photography by Brian W. Ferry for Ignant.com. Artworks © Objects of Common Interest and © The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum / Artists Rights Society.)
9. One final dream?
To finish opening this store :)
