Photographed by Fujio Emura
Their devotion to scoring discounted goods—Heaven pieces were up to 70% off retail—was impressive, but their stylish looks were just as commendable. The event doubled as a street style bonanza: It was a sea of baggy jeans, mini skirts paired with biker boots, Heaven star tees, and Mowalola hats. Once the doors opened, the real frenzy began.
Shoppers made a beeline for the bags and jewelry on the main floor, zeroing in on specific items like eagle-eyed assassins. Turns out, many of the shoppers had compiled dream lists before even entering. “We’re here with a clear goal in mind,” said Aguiler, who had their eye on a jersey from the Heaven Deftones capsule collection. “I’m looking for the Heaven bags, and a few of the pieces they did in collaboration with Sandy Liang,” said Flores.
Photographed by Fujio Emura
Photographed by Fujio Emura
Inside, it wasn’t your average disorganized sample sale with clothes strewn about. Merchandise was nearly organized and spanned two floors, just like how Barneys (R.I.P.) would display its luxury goods, and was shown alongside giant purple squirrel sculptures by Robert Crumb. The assortment of garments was plentiful: You could find Heaven tops in mesh, florals, and camo; chic Sandy Liang coats and dresses with Peter Pan-style collars; cool Vaquera flannel shirts with built-in lace camisoles; Mowalola hats with giant Ms on them, fashioned into a McDonald’s style logo. As Hole blasted from the store speakers, shoppers frantically scoured the racks with both panic and excitement in their eyes.
Photographed by Fujio Emura
Photographed by Fujio Emura
It was a scene that certainly livened up the city on a sleepy Summer Friday. And should you want to see the action for yourself, the fun isn’t over just yet: The sale runs until Sunday, meaning you can take your chances at being allowed into the pearly gates of Heaven yourself.