Picture courtesy of Royal/T
Royal/T Art Space is the Zion for Anime-Maniacs in L.A.!! This unique space is a multi faceted entity incorporating a fusion of an art gallery, boutique and restaurant/theatre cafe.
The genesis of Royal/T started when owner Susan Hancock, successful entrepeneur and "ModernJapanArt" collector approached Takaya Goto and Lesley Chi of Goto Design NY to conceive a space to showcase her extensive "Mod.Jap.Art" collection, with the help of architect Kulapat Yantrasast from wHY Architecture.
The duo came up with an concept inspired by the "Meido Kissa/Maid Cafe" phenom originating in Tokyo's Akihabara district. Since Akihabara is a manifistation of the 21st Century Digitalopolis (a la Blade Runner/Neuromancer), Royal/T not only has an art space to feature pieces from the Hancock collection, but carries the ANIME/CYBERPUNK/COSPLAY lifestyle into the connected boutique and cafe.
Cutting edge Japan-Artists such as Chiho Aoshima, Chinatsu Ban, Yayoi Deki, Mitsuhiro Ikeda, Izumi Kato, Hideaki Kawashima, Mahomi Kunikata, Yayoi Kusama, Mr., Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Mitsuhiro Okamoto, Aya Takano, Yuken Teruya, and Keisuke Yamamoto are represented in the collection. In addition, Western artists collected by Hancock include Ghada Amer, Stephan Balkenhol, Louise Bourgeois, Cecily Brown, Tracy Emin, Tom Freidman, Mark Grotjahn, Jim Hodges, Mike Kelley, Chris Ofili, Elizabeth Peyton, Richard Prince, Wilhelm Sasnal, Fred Tomaselli, Piotr Uklanski, Lisa Yuskavage.
The boutique carries various items directly connected to the artists featured in the gallery space, as well as items inspired and/or thematic of the movement. All items are noteworthy of "GOT TO HAVE IT!!!" status.
Ayumi Mamiya/Magikano Figurine by Max Factory
Image courtesy of Royal/T
Oni Musume/She-Devil IV Figurine by Kaiyodo & Bome Studio
Image courtesy of Royal/T
The cafe/restaurant continues the concept by featuring waitresses dressed in typical FRENCH MAID COSPLAY uniforms. The menu is based on a fusion of Japanese and CaliFrancais cuisine with traditional comfort foods such as "comfort" food and beverage classics like Curry Rice and Matcha Milk Tea as well as modern creations like Yuzu Shrimp Salad and Kyoto Sunset Tea. All dishes are served all day.
Royal/T is a runaway success since it's opening in late 2007, with loads of clients/customers/fans crowding daily to experience the complete lifestyle immersion.
