In an article in NYT The Moment published today, writer Nike Currie, notes that MUJI, our favorite no-branding, non nonsense accessories store (which just opening their flagship in NYC on May 30th) is planning to open as many as 40 new stores in cities across the United States. Boston?

Mr Curries story, which can be read in its entirety at The Moment, also gives a quick history lesson into MUJI for those who (for shame) are not familiar with the Japanese company.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the iconic Stool 60, Artek has mounted an instillation formed by the stools in New York’s Gansvoort Square. The Stool 60 was designed by Finnish architect/designer Alvar Alto in 1933. See further details of the monument after the jump. (via notcot)

“Newwork Magazine is a large-format newspaper publication for readers who appreciate the value of new ideas. Designed and published bi-anually by Studio Newwork, Issue No.1 shows a selection of contributors solely from New York”

Find Newwork in NYC at your favorite retailers or via their online format at newworkmag.com

DNR is reporting that Selectism favorite, Aloha Rag, is opening a shop in NYC. “Aloha Rag, the Honolulu, Hawaii–based store known for its mix of hip, urban, men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, is surfing the Soho wave. The company had a soft opening earlier this month of a 2,400-square-foot store at 505 Greenwich Street near Spring. The company, whose biggest men’s brands include Maison Martin Margiela, Lanvin and Ann Demeulemeester, has been in business in Hawaii since 1990. An e-commerce site, Aloharag.com, launched in 2003, with English and Japanese versions.”

This seems to a first. FWD is reporting, “Rogan Gregory’s capsule designs for Target may not have generated the same frenzy as the Kate Moss for Topshop collection, but the collection certainly has a fan in Barneys New York. Julie Gilhart, the store’s fashion director, has worked her magic by persuading Target to launch the Rogan for Target collection at her Manhattan and Beverly Hills flagships in advance of their launch at the superstore. The collection, which marks the first time Barneys has carried Target merchandise, will arrive in New York and Los Angeles on May 8 and 15, respectively, and will be carried on the Co-op floor. The pieces will only be in stock for five days-after that, shoppers will have to wait for the mass debut.”

Pretty interesting concept that really begins to elevate the quality of Target’s capsule collections. They aint a box store no mo!

The legendary downtown space once occupied by the legendary CBGB’s club is now home to none other than John Varvatos. The Varvatos shop at 315 Bowery is a mixed bag that tries to keep the genes of the space true to its former occupant – selling a mixed bag of vintage hifi stereo equipment, records, and of course, the Varvatos fashion line. According to men.style, “CBGB’s walls remain as they were, stickered and chockablock with graffiti. There’s a new, smaller stage for monthly performances from up-and-coming musicians…”

Fans of Varvatos should also keep eyes open for a speciality line to launch inside the new digs.

Alexander Olch has been garnering quite some press of late. Featured as guest editor for NYT’s The Moment, as well as a spread in Vanity Fair, Olch’s a man of many talents.

His necktie collections under “Alexander Olch” continues to produce some excellent examples of mens neck accessories, ready for every variety of dress and occasion. The “Hand Swirl Silk Prints” and “Cotton Stripes” are clear examples. Need some help knotting up? Tieanecktie should get you started once you get an Olch tie in hand.

More views after the jump.

DNR this morning is reporting that Banana Republic is converting their Bleeker Street store in NYC into their first “Monogram” label concept lab and shop. The “Monogram” concept store opens on April 7th and will remain for nine months.

Monogram is BR’s “elevated brand concept” of menswear that caters heavily to men looking for tailored attire, slim fits, and higher quality fabrics. A women’s line is set to launch this spring as well.