Fashion Moda

[1] Fashion Moda was an art space founded by Stephen Eins in 1978 after closing his previous project, the 3 Mercer Store.

Eins was soon joined by artist, poet and musician, Joe Lewis and William Scott, a nineteen year-old from the neighborhood as co-directors.

Wild Style, a documentary by Charlie Ahearn on the manifesto of hip hop used Fashion Moda as studio and subject.

Exhibitions and events were usually accompanied by musical performances including those from talents ranging from Afrika Bambaataa or Rammellzee to jazz musicians such as Jerome Cooper and Rasul Siddik.

Curated by the 19-year-old John “Crash” Matos, the Graffiti Art Success for America show featured artists such as Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000, Lady Pink, and Lee Quinones.

This influential show opened up new possibilities for the art form by allowing street artists to connect with critics, collectors, and curators.

[1][4] In 1982, Fashion Moda was invited to participate in Documenta 7, a quinquennial contemporary art exhibition held in Kassel, Germany.

At this event, a store was set up like the Time Square Show where shirts, prints, and novelty items from participating artists could be bought.