Artist Ashkahn Shahparnia Takes Over L.A.'s Reform School

You might recognize Ashkahn Shahparnia's candy-colored illustrations from the pages of PAPER's past issues, his album cover designs or his awesome "Evolution of the Muff" tote bag (one of my personal all-time favorites). Now the multi-talented artist is teaming up with L.A. retailers Reform School, a store on Sunset Blvd. known for its incredible catalog of everything home-made and re-purposed, both practical and not-so-much. Tomorrow night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Shahparnia will take over half of the store and turn it into a pop-up shop of his own. On sale will be new prints, accessories and original works of art all set behind the glow of a "crazy" (artist's word) window display designed by the man himself. He'll also be releasing a special line of pillows, and a line of thongs printed with the muff design mentioned above. Oh yeah, he's also releasing the "Ashkahn Wine Collection from the vineyards of Santa Barbara" and there will be complimentary banana splits. Of course! If you're like me and can't make it over there tomorrow night for this colorful bonanza you can still get your fix with some online shopping on his website shopshopA.com -- the new line of greeting cards are particularly fun for the whole family!


Ashkhan Shahparnia portrait by Ngude Christopher