Roitfeld Presents Richard Hambleton: A Retrospective

Over 2,000 guests turned out for Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld's latest art opening, "Richard Hambleton: A Retrospective," held Friday evening at Phillips de Pury on Park Avenue in New York. Giorgio Armani sponsored the exhibition. When asked about the popularity of his shows and Hambleton in particular, Vladimir said, “It’s about the good atmosphere... People want to come. I don’t think you can explain why in an easy way. There’s just good energy here. And good art. Richard [Hambleton]’s coming to the after party, too... Richard was one of the biggest artists in the late '70s, early '80s in New York City. He was the most important street artist of the 80s. Drug use destroyed the lives of so many of his friends, so he sort of… went away for a while... but, now, he’s back... He was the founding figure of street art in New York, and after a lot of success, he disappeared for 25 years. We've been reviving his career for the past few years, everything in collaboration with Giorgio Armani — this is the end of a world tour... We rediscovered Hambleton two years ago — he hadn’t done a show in 25 years — and to now be having a show in this venue is amazing... Ending in New York at Phillips de Pury is the cherry on top.” In typical VRR style, the afterparty followed at Indochine and everyone got wild; rumors suggest Carine Roitfeld was drinking straight vodka by the night's end. Visit the photo gallery for more fabulous shots from the evening.
Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld et al photographs © 2011 Condé Nast and Billy Farrell Agency.





