Ahead of Hypebeast Flea New York on May 18 and 19, Hypebeast is spotlighting each of the event’s more than 30 vendors by giving an overview of their practice, their inspirations, and what they plan to bring to the event. Hypebeast Flea New York is free to attend — RSVP HERE

Ridgewood, Queens-based Lichen is many things: an interior and spatial design store that produces goods through a thriving in-house label, a vintage furniture dealer slinging goods from Herman Miller, USM, Pierre Paulin and other stalwarts; an incubator for the Big Apple’s top design talent; and a bustling, community-focused space that throws its studio doors open for shopping and special events every weekend. Founded in 2017 after co-owners Jared Blake and Ed Be met while Blake was selling Be an Eames fiberglass shell chair, Lichen, in its own words, “[continues] to permeate the autonomous world of interiors by collecting, re-contextualizing and formulating new thoughts on design with the support of our community. Amongst other things, we sell furniture.”

Explain your brand to people who may not know you yet.

Lichen is one of the few design institutions that juxtapose streetwear, hip hop, product and furniture design in a way that isn’t forced, redundant or cliche. We continue to permeate the autonomous world of interiors by collecting, re-contextualizing, and formulating new thoughts on design with the support of our community. Amongst other things, we sell furniture.

What about New York inspires you the most?

Diversity. In nature, we use the term “biocultural” to describe the dynamic, continually evolving, and interconnected nature of people and place and the notion that social and biological dimensions are interrelated. New York defines this notion on a global scale.

What have you got planned at Hypebeast Flea?

Heat and education.

What other vendors are you looking forward to checking out at Hypebeast Flea?

Shout out to the homies at photodom., Head Hi, Pink Essay and Extra Vitamins.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast