An auspicious location in downtown Manhattan is about to undergo yet another transformation. The iconic building at 57 Great Jones St. in Noho, which once belonged to the legendary pop artist Andy Warhol and was occupied by street art pioneer Jean-Michel Basquiat, has been leased by Angelina Jolie for commercial use over the next eight years. Jolie has big plans to turn it into a cutting-edge fashion hub called Atelier Jolie, where “creative minds can come together and collaborate with a talented and diverse group of expert tailors, pattern makers, and artisans.”
The 48-year-old actress took to Instagram to announce the location of her new venture, and further elaborated on its concept through the Atelier Jolie website. She described it as a workshop and exhibition space that aims to showcase the work of “talented and underappreciated” groups of tailors, allowing them to collaborate and display their extraordinary creations. Jolie emphasized the vital role played by tailors in the creative process and expressed her admiration for their often unrecognized talents.
On the Atelier Jolie website’s “About” page, she wrote, “Designers may sketch or approve designs, but it is the tailors who truly make a difference. I find immense joy in creating with them. Sadly, these skilled makers often do not receive the credit and respect they deserve.” Within the workshop, Jolie envisions working exclusively with high-quality vintage materials and maintaining a commitment to sustainability. The aim is to encourage the repair and upcycling of existing wardrobe pieces, breathing new life into discarded garments while creating meaningful and timeless heirloom garments.
Before Jolie took over, the building had been listed for lease with Meridian Capital Group at the price of $60,000 per month, though the exact rental amount paid by Jolie remains undisclosed. Dating back to the 1860s, the property has an intriguing history. It once served as the headquarters of the notorious Five Points Gang led by Paul Kelly and was famously owned by Andy Warhol Enterprise Inc. until 1990. During that time, Warhol rented the second-floor live-work studio to Basquiat, who tragically passed away at the age of 27 from a heroin overdose in the building. Warhol, a close friend and mentor to Basquiat, himself passed away in 1987 at the age of 58 following a surgery. The building was previously available for lease at the same rate of $60,000 per month.
Despite its new purpose, the building still pays homage to its artistic past. A plaque on the structure commemorates Basquiat’s time spent there, stating, “From 1983 to 1988, renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat lived and worked here in a former stable owned by his friend and mentor, Andy Warhol.” The facade of the building, which used to serve as a tribute to Basquiat, underwent a fresh coat of paint last year, but the spirit of artistic innovation remains at the heart of this historic location.
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