the residency
The New MartSuite 921(213) 488-0070
When buyers first walk into Renee Watson’s showroom, the residency., it’s likely they’ll be impressed not only by the expansive view of downtown Los Angeles from the ninth floor but also by the rustic, urban, Parisian flea-market feel channeled through crystal chandeliers; French antiques; old, wooden tables; and walls of embellished denim jeans.
Watson moved into her new 1200-square-foot showroom at The New Mart on June 1, relocating from the California Market Center, where she had been located since 2007. The move brought a new name along with the new location. Formerly known as Renee & Co., Watson’s showroom now goes by the residency.
The open loft space was designed by Watson with films projected on beaded curtains, distressed furniture, handmade chandeliers and wall-mounted iron rods carrying rows of denim in order to feature both the Rock Revival Jeans she carries, as well as her own aesthetic for interior design.
Watson has been selling Los Angeles–based Rock Revival Jeans since 2008, shortly after she moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The jeans, which Watson describes as “a premium dual-gender denim brand,” wholesale for $63 to $78 and are sold through retailers such as Revolve Clothing, Zappos and M.Fredric.
Watson said she is pleased with her new location next to showrooms showcasing contemporary lines such as Joe’s Jeans, L.A.M.B. and Da-Nang.
“The move to the right showroom was crucial in my decision to relocate to The New Mart,” she said. “I held out for the floor best suited to my showroom and the Rock Revival brand. We sit well with the other surrounding brands and showrooms.”
The new space and the new name also provide her with more options, Watson explained.
The corner loft provides a light, airy space for showcasing the “edgy, fashion-forward” jeans, as well as her handmade chandeliers, which she converts from European bases and decorates with vintage or Swarovski crystals.
“I love mixing masculine with feminine and edgy with elegant,” she explained.
Watson said she plans to keep the showroom’s focus on her fashion brands but may expand the showroom’s focus to include furnishings, including the custom-designed chandeliers she creates.—Deidre Crawford
