Who Is Artist Shag?
Josh Agle, known professionally as Shag, is a Southern California artist whose instantly recognizable style blends midcentury modern aesthetics with cocktail culture, playful decadence, and vibrant characters. His colorful, stylized scenes evoke a world of leisure, parties, and retro glamour, making his work a perfect visual anthem for Palm Springs.
How Did The Shag Store Happen?
You can blame it on a Palm Springs Modernism Show long ago and local modernism enthusiasts like Jay Nailor and MiShell Modern.
Rewind to 2003. Jay, then on the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF) board, spotted Josh's artwork on the cover of the 2002 PSPF Tribute Journal titled "Desert Polynesia." Recognizing its potential, Jay asked Josh, "Why not release a print of your cover at the 2003 Modernism Show, with part of the proceeds benefitting PSPF?" Josh agreed.
Meanwhile, Jay and MiShell were looking for a side business to complement their real estate work and thought: "Everyone loves art. It makes people happy." MiShell, working the cashier table at that 2003 Modernism Show, saw Shag's print sell out almost instantly. That moment sparked a bold idea: open a gallery exclusively showcasing Shag's work. Surprisingly, Josh said yes — and The Shag Store dream was born.
A Match Made in Palm Springs Heaven
“Our rapport was instant,” recalls Jay. “We loved Josh’s art, and he loved our gallery space and promotional ideas.” Just two months later, on May 9, 2003, they opened the M Modern Gallery on North Palm Canyon Drive with a month-long solo exhibition of Shag's rare prints, debuting a new work titled Palm Springs After Dark.
The response was overwhelming. Collectors sent checks before even seeing the print. Fans continued to visit even after the exhibit ended, eager for more.
Jay, whose background included running a global HVAC business, brought a strategic business approach to their art venture. Shag print release parties became a signature event, drawing crowds with complimentary cocktails and appearances by the artist himself. Shag's popularity skyrocketed.
The Birth of The Shag Store
On May 8, 2010, Jay and MiShell opened The Shag Store in Palm Springs’s Uptown Design District on North Palm Canyon Drive, the first and only boutique and gallery dedicated solely to Josh Agle's work. The gallery is a retro-modern paradise: open and airy, with walls covered in prints and paintings, curated merchandise counters, Shag-designed apparel, and the Tiki Den — a space devoted to tiki-themed art and retro-style events.
It’s also a hotspot for release parties and private events, often featuring live music, themed cocktails, and the artist himself mingling with fans.
A Brand Built on Style and Function
“We’re working on Shag as a brand, from a business-model approach,” Jay explains. He and MiShell dream up marketing and merchandise ideas, while Shag gives final approval. His only criteria? “It must have a function.” That’s why you’ll find socks, martini glasses, women’s handbags, puzzles, enamel pins, and even a Shag-branded record player (which sold out in a week).
Despite the brand’s success, Josh remains humble. “He’s always been a nice, quiet guy. He’s still excited that people like his work,” says MiShell. Celebrity collectors include Mark Parker, the former CEO of Nike. “Seeing Josh become a household name is our greatest satisfaction,” she adds.
Quality is non-negotiable. From thick, four-pound beach towels to high-end apparel comparable to fellow Palm Springs style icon Trina Turk (a friend and collaborator), The Shag Store prides itself on premium merchandise.
Visiting The Shag Store
Address: 745 N Palm Canyon Drive
Website: www.theshagstore.com
Hours: Open daily (check website for seasonal hours)