Since opening its doors in 1975, Raoul’s has been a downtown New York establishment for its French bistro dining and glamorous vibe. On Wednesday, the eatery is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the release of its limited-edition collaborative capsule collection of fashion merchandise and home goods in collaboration with Moda Operandi.
Codirected by Ryan Matthew, creative director of the NYC-based design studio Studio RM, and Karim Raoul, owner of Raoul’s, in partnership with Moda Operandi, the cobranded assortment includes 11 apparel and home goods designed to reflect Raoul’s aesthetic of being a beloved bistro with French classics and go-to, downtown landmark for 50 years.
“This celebration is so special to us not just because it marks Raoul’s 50th anniversary but represents a celebration of life downtown. It is our absolute pleasure to return to our roots of hosting and celebrating artists, fashion designers, and filmmakers who will influence the next 50 years of downtown cool,” Raoul and Matthew said in a joint statement.
The capsule’s apparel includes two sweatshirt styles, a cropped baby T, a unisex T produced by Les Tien, a baseball cap, with prices ranging from $65 to $335. In addition, home goods keepsakes, priced $75 to $610, range from a set of four dessert plates by LAV and ashtray by Thnk1994 to a set of four cocktail napkins by No Reservations Shop. Each style features bespoke illustrations, including logos, New York-y motifs and more, created by Moda Operandi and Raoul’s teams.
Raoul’s x Moda Operandi hat.
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
“Raoul’s isn’t just a New York institution…it’s practically a rite of passage. Everyone has a Raoul’s story, and if they don’t, they wish they did,” Moda Operandi’s Lauren Santo Domingo told WWD. “When they approached us, we loved the idea that Moda Operandi (the only luxury multibrand e-comm retailer actually born and raised in New York) could help toast their 50th. We created merch and tabletop pieces for the die-hard regulars, the newly initiated, and all the former New Yorkers who still get a little nostalgic thrill remembering their ‘downtown’ era. It’s our way of bottling a bit of Raoul’s magic.”
Furthermore, additional items in the assortment that serve as unique holiday gifts include two ceramic decor pieces by London-based Rolling & The Stoned, each adorned with original 1975 menu prices (for $300 and $350), as well as the “Edition Au Poivre” candle, a sandalwood-and–black pepper scent inspired by the restaurant’s signature sauce for $85.
Raoul’s x Moda Operandi sweatshirt.
Courtesy of Moda Operandi
“Raoul’s has a feeling, an energy. It’s a home for so many. It has held and protected so much creativity — so much art — over the years,” Matthew added. “Working with Moda Operandi allowed us to translate the bistro’s spirit into daily reminders of this — of the timeless creativity, and the importance of indulging in your own creativity.”
Outside of the cobranded capsule, the Moda Operandi trunkshow will also feature additional giftable tabletop pieces inspired by the restaurant, including silver-plated french fry sleeves, condiment cups, burger trays, and lighter covers by Esencial Hogar; novelty martini- and profiterole-shaped candles by Moda Domus, and a curated selection of crystal styles by Saint-Louis.
Raoul’s restaurant.
Courtesy of Raoul’s
To celebrate the anniversary and collaborative capsule launch, Moda Operandi and Raoul’s are holding an intimate dinner and cocktail party on Tuesday, hosted by Raoul, Santo Domingo and Chloë Sevigny. The event is slated to welcome the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Benjamin Bratt, Cate Holstein, Christy Turlington, Ed Burns, Brandon Maxwell, Emily Ratajkowski and more into the French bistro to enjoy food and beverages inspired by the restaurant’s 1975 archives and enjoy tribute performances choreographed by Akira Uchida.
