ReadysetDC A CREATIVE URBAN ENTERPRISE

Interview: Treasury

I recently had the chance to meet up with Katerina Herodotou and Cathy Chung of Treasury (or in the recent past Listopad). We talked about how things are changing in DC, specifically in the 14th + U Street corridors, and about the creatives here. I also got to learn a little more about the space they will be occupying (2 floors above Som Records), and what they plan on accomplishing with their new venture.

J. Young: How did the two of you get started?

K. Herodotou: Soon after we became friends, we realized that we both had an obsession with vintage clothing and a need for a creative outlet in this life. So we decided to become partners in crime.

C. Chung: It has been a very satisfying relationship; our aesthetic ideas really mesh well together.

J. Young: What is the story behind the name Listopad?

K. Herodotou: Let me refer you to Wikipedia…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listopad . It’s just a word we felt we had a connection with.

C. Chung: Yeah, it was either “Listopad” or “Anyung” – either way it was bound to mystify/confuse people.

J. Young: Why did you decide to go with “Treasury” for the shop instead of Listopad?

K. Herodotou: Treasury is the next step in our vision, so we wanted a new name. Listopad was a roving vintage shop/party  and Treasury is a stand-alone brick-n-mortar version of our vision.

C. Chung: Yes, Treasury sounds tongue-in-cheek or about money but it’s really neither of these things. We are presenting our vintage finds as historical items that have a high value for us but also has a sense of timeless appeal.

J. Young: How did you find the space, and what attracted you there?

K. Herodotou: Good old fashioned “For Rent” sign. But for serious, we wanted to focus on the 14th St/U Street neighborhood because we lived nearby, loved the cultural history of the area and were enamored with the outcropping of new businesses in the corridor.

C. Chung: It has to be the hottest spot in town right now. Besides the great bars (we are flanked by Pilar and St Ex), we will be in great company with well-established small boutiques like Redeem, Go Mama Go, and one of our favorites, Good Wood, around the corner. We have furnished a good chunk of the store at Rough and Ready across the street. And we hope to keep the energy flowing.

J. Young: Environmental and social responsibility seem to be key principles of Treasury. Why is this important to you?

K. Herodotou: These values are core pieces of our everyday lives and the actions we take each minute of the day, it just made sense that they would be incorporated into our business. We also didnt just want to open up a consumerist venture, we wanted to do something more concretely social and cultural…that’s why we are trying to integrate events, artists and other creative aspects into Treasury.

J. Young: What sorts of events do you plan to host?

K. Herodotou: Art parties, band shows, DJ nights, charity benefits, tea leaf readings, sidewalk sales, special talk engagements, community events.

J. Young: What are your views on DC style right now? Is it changing or progressing?

K. Herodotou: I think mainstream outlets and mainstream consumers are taking note of a change in the wind–individuality and quality are being valued more and people are looking to express themselves through dress. The core heart of DC style, the people who encourage hunting and gathering for amazing finds for expression, always remains true through these types of fads.

C. Chung: There seems to be more of an awareness of fashion types in the public eye and more publications that cater to that. But DC has always had style and I always appreciate how little of it is associated with the fads.

J. Young: Do you think the creatives of DC will change the outside perspective of the city, as well as that of those who live here?

K. Herodotou: In order to change the perception of those outside of the city, creatives need to produce tangible, concrete things. Magazines (pandahead), Music (Chain and the Gang), Parties (Beautiful Swimmers) and the like. As long as we keep that up, the perceptions will change.

C. Chung: Some of the most creative people live in DC, they just need to organize. We have contributed to the arts throughout history and we will continue to do so. We hope to be one small venue to help foster that.

J. Young: What is the one thought you would leave with people in regards to fashion + lifestyle?

K. Herodotou:

C. Chung: Be open to trying new things so you don’t get bored.

All images from shoptreasury.com.