Kemo Sabe is launching a temporary pop-up at New York's Refinery Hotel from September 10 through September 27. The Western-inspired brand will showcase handcrafted boots and accessories during the height of New York Fashion Week.
A return to Manhattan after the Meatpacking District success
This upcoming residency marks a return to the city for the brand, following a highly successful pop-up in the Meatpacking District two years ago. That previous activation was designed to celebrate the premiere of the short film series Window to the West, which featured National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Famer Adan Banuelos. According to the report, that event was a major spectacle that even included live horseback cutting and roping demonstrations.
By returning to New York during Fashion Week, Kemo Sabe is looking to reconnect with a client base that values high-end craftsmanship. The brand's history of "wildly entertaining" events suggests that this Manhattan appearance will be more than just a retail space; it is an attempt to bring a specific Western lifestyle to an urban audience.
The Refinery Hotel's 'hat box' and its history as a hat factory
The choice of the Refinery Hotel on West 38th Street is deeply intentional. Kunkle, representing the brand, noted that the venue was selected because the building itself is a former hat factory, providing a sense of historical continuity for the pop-up. The specific space being utilized for the brand's residency has even been nicknamed the "hat box."
This location serves as a strategic bridge for customers who may not live in traditional Western hubs. Kunkle explained that the goal is to attract "people who don’t go to ski towns" by bringing a piece of the West to them.. By placing the pop-up in the heart of Manhattan, the brand aims to offer an experience that is up close, personal, and full of "unexpected swagger."
Bringing Aspen's rugged aesthetic to the 'Dior girl'
Unlike many brands that attempt to "urbanize" their products to fit a metropolitan environment, Kemo Sabe intends to maintain its authentic mountain identity. the brand plans to replicate the atmosphere of its Aspen store rather than creating a version tailored specifically for New York City. Kunkle emphasized this commitment to authenticity, stating, "Even if you’re a Dior girl, our pieces will fit well in your closet."
New York currently stands as one of Kemo Sabe’s top five markets, making this pop-up a vital touchpoint for their existing community. The report notes that the brand sees this as the perfect moment to inject Western energy into the creative atmosphere of Fashion Week, catering to those who value individuality and personal style over mainstream trends.
Will live horses return to West 38th Street?
While the brand has a history of large-scale demonstrations, several details regarding this specific activation remain unverified. The report mentions there is no guarantee that the live horseback cutting and roping seen in previous years will be part of the Refinery Hotel event. Additionally, while the pop-up is a significant moment for the brand's New York presence, there are currently no plans to open a permanent brick-and-mortar store in the city.
Once the pop-up concludes on September 27, the brand's focus will return to its established locations in places like Vail, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Park City, Utah. For now, the Manhattan experience remains a limited-time opportunity for those "in the know" to access the brand's timeless, classic Western style.
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