The Living Room Bar at the W Hotel Times Square was buzzing with excitement last Thursday as East Village artist Scooter LaForge personalized t-shirts for a select group of influencers. The event celebrated LaForge’s recent surge in popularity after his hand-painted shirts appeared on HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus,” worn by characters Chelsea and Chloe in the latest season.
“I’m just ecstatic,” said LaForge, who is typically reserved. “The show is the most exposure that I’ve had for my work.”
The gathering, organized by Lindsey Alm, head of marketing and partnership at the W, coincided with Earth Month sustainability initiatives at the hotel. While originally planned as a general vintage goods painting session, the focus shifted after LaForge’s designs aired on the popular series.
“I knew it would be a special moment to showcase the shirts,” Alm explained.
LaForge worked alongside assistant Angelo Patti, customizing pre-painted shirts for attendees. Each shirt featured a blank box where the artist added personalized drawings and text based on attendees’ requests. The original shirts created for “The White Lotus” – a collaboration with costume designer Alex Bovaird – featured phrases like “BOMBED OUT ME BOX,” but event guests requested everything from show quotes to personal mantras.
Self-described “nerd commentator” Frankey Smith chose a significant line from the show: “I think we’re gonna be together forever, don’t you?” Meanwhile, Victoria Walker opted for wisdom from Pokemon: “It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.”
The event was complemented by a special Lotus-themed drink menu created by Lead Mixologist Patrick Van Ameringen, featuring cleverly named cocktails like “The Poison Pong Pong” and “Trouble in Paradise.” DJ Tokyo Rose provided what LaForge described as “great music and great energy.”
Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1971, LaForge has established himself in New York’s East Village art scene over the past two decades. His work spans painting, sculpture, and fashion design, with a distinctive style that The New York Times has described as “recalling the Neo-Expressionism that was popular in the ’80s, the manic Neo-Surrealism of George Condo, and the comics-to-graffiti-to-canvas style of Kenny Scharf.”
His upcycled designs have caught the attention of celebrities including Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Madonna, and Rihanna. The shirts featured in “The White Lotus” showcased his trademark graffiti-style artwork, with one design featuring a green alien head with “Full Moon” across the chest, and another with a blue wave and “Ko Pha Ngan” written below it – referencing the famous island in Thailand near where the current season is set.
The W Hotel has been highlighting sustainability through several “upcycling” events, including a digital camera pop-up that attracted younger consumers and a “Grab and Go” recycled clothing market.
“It was really a beautiful evening celebrating Scooter’s wonderful work—there was a beautiful energy in the room,” said Alm, summarizing the event.
LaForge’s one-of-a-kind shirts are available through Patricia Field’s boutique, and fans can follow his work on Instagram.
