If Boston’s culture is defined by its people, Frank the Butcher has a knack for bringing the right crowd together.
On a rainy Saturday afternoon last weekend, the Worcester-born footwear designer, record producer, and former KarmaLoop creative director hosted a smattering of hip-hop fans, nightclub owners, promoters, rappers, and producers at the Jiberish boutique on Newbury Street. It was for the premiere of his new month-long pop-up store in collaboration with PUMA and his own Always BAU (Business As Usual) clothing line, offering exclusive apparel, accessories, footwear, and music. This was more than another retail gimmick: with the legendary DJ Clark Kent spinning the classic hip-hop soundtrack, this felt like another step in Boston’s cultural awakening, a process in which Frank hopes to be a driving force.
What makes this pop-up shop so important to you?
It combines the all the elements of my childhood. My interests range from clothing to music to art. I just wanted to find a way to bring all the physical manifestations of my creative world to one place and put it on display for the city.
How do you feel it fits into the resurgent creative economy in Boston?
With all the recent developments in Boston, this felt like the perfect time to provide a new outlet for streetwear in the city. Puma and Jiberish are also brands that care about pushing culture forward. Teaming up with them was a no-brainer. I just wanted to offer something unique in the city. That’s why I have artists like Prodigy (April 3) and Bun B (April 4) coming up to do limited-edition music releases in the store. They have some of the most iconic records of all time. I just want to show people how much those records and hip-hop overall inspired me.
What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to during this pop-up?
Connecting with the people is a huge thing for me. Meeting everyone that comes to the events and getting their feedback and support is invaluable to me. I’m planning to have some high school students come through to the shop to talk with them. It’s about being able to help other people see their vision and showing them that it’s attainable.
BAU EWYK POP-UP SHOP. OPEN NOW THROUGH SAT 4.11. JIBERISH, 299 NEWBURY ST., BOSTON. MON – SAT 11am – 7pm. SUN 11am – 6pm. alwaysbau.com
