Photo credit: www.vogue.com

Isabella Burley Expands Climax Books to New York

In 2020, amidst the widespread uncertainty of the pandemic, Isabella Burley embarked on a unique entrepreneurial journey. While many were retreating into the comfort of binge-watching television or attempting culinary challenges, Burley, who had made her mark as the chief marketing officer at Acne Studios and the former editor-in-chief of Dazed, took a different route. With years of experience traveling for fashion shows and shoots, she spent her spare moments scouring bookstores for rare art and photography monographs, vintage erotica, VHS tapes, and unique print artworks. However, it was the unexpected downtime provided by lockdown that enabled her to finally conceptualize and establish her own venture: Climax Books.

Photo: Jacob Lillis

Climax Books quickly gained recognition for its vibrant hot pink packaging, clean typography, and a carefully curated assortment of items that mirror Burley’s unique aesthetic. While the shop offers vintage erotica, it also boasts a diverse selection of non-explicit materials, appealing to a broad audience. Over the course of four years, the store has garnered a robust following of 25,000 on Instagram, teamed up with notable brands such as Heaven by Marc Jacobs and Dover Street Market, and after a successful pop-up at the Sadie Coles Gallery in London, it secured a permanent location in Soho last year. Now, Burley is taking her vision to an even greater level by opening a new store on East 4th Street in New York, conveniently located near the Bowery Hotel.

This expansion signifies not only Burley’s commitment to her craft but also her understanding of the evolving landscape of independent bookstores. As Climax Books continues to resonate with the creative community, it reflects a shift towards curatorial retail experiences that prioritize unique, artistic expressions.

Source
www.vogue.com