The Commissary relocated their store in Costa Mesa pretty much across the street from their old location, but such a small distance created such a large impact on the ambiance of the shop. They managed escaped from the “hipster” infested Lab, where most of the shoppers did not even step into the store, and where most shoppers were the walking definition of the OC’s infamous douchbaggery characteristic; most visitors put their money towards Urban Outfitters or the Buffalo Exchange. One thing that I find absolutely appealing about the Commissary is where most “street-wear” derives from influences such as hip-hop and cliché urban culture, Andrew Lee’s Commissary destroys with punk, black metal, bikes, and other things I thoroughly enjoy.

It was around 8 pm when I arrived to the store with my girlfriend. Due to my lack of the ability to drive, she drove us there and I am forever grateful for that and many other things she has done for me. The exterior of the corner shop had people gathered around it, drinks in hand, as well as a matte black (from what I saw) hot rod with a “COMMISSARY WOLF PACK” drape hanging off the driver’s door. Immediately at the steps I met Yuuki, where he then told me to go check out the shop. As I walked through the micro crowd towards the door, my eye-lids widened the moment I saw what was through the windows.

The staple roadcase displays were up on the walls, and the interior was very fitting to what Commissary truly is. The large 4 Foot Kaws Companion bearing over the crowd, was placed in a space embedded in the walls, along with a BMX bike and a bloody Owl. The stereo was bumping some hip hop, but The Decline of Western Civilization was on the flat screen! Racks that hung from the ceiling were stocked with the latest Fall/Winter pieces. I was told that the shop really watered down the amount of brands they carried; the only survivors are the Commissary (but of course!) brand, Invisible:Man, Bastard Squad, Bounty Hunter, Original Fake, and Supreme. Pretty much everything that mattered. The latest addition to the family is Edwin Denim though, which is a lovely touch! I only suspect that they’ll start to bring back a few brands; i’m hoping its at least Futura Laboratories, and they keep BBC out of the mix.

Though smaller in size than the previous space, the store now means much more, considering that they own the establishment, instead of paying rent for nothing. The Slayer roadcase is still in the store, except that its in a room that was only open for the party; it would be Andrew’s “chill spot” for the rest of the store’s career. The bathroom was decorated with Juon 2 and Until The Light Takes Us posters. There was a massive amount of booze (I should’ve taken a picture of that); it was too bad I don’t drink! I managed to score the Invisible:Man 10th Anniversary t-shirt, but wanted so much more. This was definitely not my last visit to the store, I just wish it was closer!

To see more photos of the event, click here.

What?