Los Angeles - What used to be frowned upon in the fashion world, is now in style: More and more artists in the United States are exhibiting their work in boutiques.

The hip store Confederacy in Hollywood sells etchings by Julian Schnabel along with designer clothes and lingerie, while in New York, Robin Richman decorates her high-priced boutique with works by young artists.

In these dire economic times, boutiques have to be creative, said Richman in an article in the New York Times. Clothing stores want to attract customers with something different, while artists see it as a saving grace at a time when more and more galleries are closing.

Artists cannot actually refuse to exhibit in a boutique, said Monica Serra, whose portraits, priced at 10,000 dollars, hang in a Manhattan boutique. (dpa)