The yarns would have been discarded, they were small lots, off-shade colors and other factory overruns and color rejects, hence the name of the exhibit: Recycled Knit. But there is nothing wrong with the quality or softness  -Girlawhirl can vouch for that. Anonymous designers from the gallery's parent company OPOS threw in their ideas for funky ear warmers, scarves, wraps, oversized cardigans, blankets and more; from a fabulous wall hanging that's truly a piece of art to a sculptural mix of knitted ‘streamers' adorned with hats, mittens, gloves and other objects that makes for a striking and fun sculpture of sorts that hangs from the two-story high ceiling.

It all results in a shop that has a gallery-like vibe; after all, the collection is curated and a piece of each garment or object is archived. But there are no pretensions here, the prices are low, and the staff is friendly - Girlawhirl even ended up chatting with some of the other customers.

Next up for OPOS and the asap lab: an exhibit featuring leather - which will open February 28, 2008 to coincide with the leather trade shows that take place in Milan at that time. Girlawhirl can't even imagine the handbags, belts, and other leather goodies the designers and artists will create for that!

After visiting the asap space, Girlawhirl headed across the street to Buttero. This Italian boot company has been making boots for the Tuscan cowboys for years, and now it's expanded its range to include boots, shoes and bags for men and women - no horse required. It's all a short walk from 10 Corso Como, so Girlawhirl knows she'll be back soon.

 

10 Corso Como	10 Corso Como	20154 Milan	(39) 02 29002674
asap lab *	Corso Garibaldi 104	20121 Milan	(39) 02 659 81 57
Buttero	Corso Garibaldi 113	20121 Milan	(39) 02 62 08 66 57

*call to check exhibit schedule, the gallery briefly closes between exhibits.