JOOPITER Marketplace has released The Downtown Archive: ‘80s -‘90s New York, a special curated sale now live. The collection assembles significant cultural items that reflect the downtown New York scene during two transformative decades. Through photography, personal collections, and rare objects, the archive traces the intertwined growth of nightlife, hip-hop, fashion, and art during a period when underground movements began influencing the mainstream.
At the center of the archive are the personal works of Maripol and Sophie Bramly, two longtime friends whose influence shaped how these decades are remembered. Maripol, known for her polaroid photography, captured early glimpses of figures who would later define global culture. Her lens followed emerging names like Madonna, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Grace Jones, and Keith Haring during their formative years. Her photographs go beyond documentation, they offer a rare look into the social and creative energy of that time.
Sophie Bramly, both photographer and producer of Yo! MTV Raps, brought a different view to the era. Her work placed her inside hip-hop’s evolution, where she recorded key moments that helped shape how this movement was seen around the globe. One of the standout items in this archive includes Bramly’s “Sophie-Soph” jacket by Sea Horse. She wore this during her time at Yo! MTV Raps, where her role helped establish the visual identity of hip-hop in its early years.
The Downtown Archive features original photos and hard-to-find relics that speak directly to this cultural moment. Among them is a 1983 polaroid titled Madonna DANCETERIA, where Maripol photographed the future superstar during a night out at the legendary club. Another rare print from 1982, Basquiat AM, captures Basquiat standing in front of portraits he had just painted at Maripol’s loft. A third set, titled Blonde, includes 78 candid polaroids featuring downtown regulars such as Andy Warhol, Blondie, and Patti Astor.
Also part of the sale is a rare invitation to the Fiorucci 15th Anniversary Party, held at Studio 54 on May 19, 1983. The event featured programming by Madonna, who was still an unknown name to many at the time. Maripol, serving as creative director at Fiorucci and stylist to Madonna, included this item from her personal archive. The invitation recalls a night where music, fashion, and emerging personalities all came together, marking a key shift in pop culture.
Another item in the collection is the Andy Warhol x Stephen Sprouse coat from Spring 1988. Created just after Warhol’s death, this collaboration introduced elements of contemporary art into high fashion through color and graphic style. A second piece by Sprouse, the “Scrambled Rock” coat and skirt set from the same season, appeared on the designer’s runway and includes signature sequins that reflect the experimental spirit of the time.
Bob Mackie’s Fall 1987 runway gown, worn by model Dianne DeWitt, also stands out in the archive. The piece, crafted in sheer mesh and decorated with silver and blue beading, captures the glamour that defined late ’80s fashion shows. It reflects Mackie’s eye for theatrical detail and his precision in sculpting silhouettes for the runway.
Vintage Grace contributed several of the fashion pieces in the sale, including archival looks from names such as Patrick Kelly and Thierry Mugler. These garments provide context for how style evolved during these decades, shaped by personalities both on and off the stage.
JOOPITER Marketplace continues to introduce collectors and artists through themed collections such as this. Current offerings also feature items from Pharrell Williams, Lorraine Schwartz, Janefinds, and Soo Joo Park, expanding its focus across creative categories.
