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Entries tagged with 'Shop of the Week'
Posted Feb. 4, 2010,
Shop of the Week: Better Than Jam
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Better Than Jam is the first store to open within the Loom Arts and Commerce complex in Bushwick, BK. The new shop features a roster of local designers whose womenswear is handmade and priced to move. Owner Karin Persan formed the co-op so her creative peers in the neighborhood could showcase their work right at home, and she's gathered a vibrant group of designers, old school and newbies alike.
After closing her store last year, JoAnn Berman is back with more sexy, exuberant separates. The long-time underground gal is at the top of her game with reconstructed jackets, dresses, skirts and blouses that fuse fabrics, embellishments and silkscreened patterns (note -- you will not be 'blending' in Berman's apparel!). Also made of recycled materials -- but with a totally different vibe -- is Himane, a line of chic, sharp-tailored dresses and trousers. Fofelle (French for "Wacky Girl") is a collection of knee-length knit and jersey skirts that come in brick, gray, olive and raspberry hues and can double as ponchos.
There are also cute jersey dresses from Melissa Bell, funky jewels by WabiSabi Brooklyn and The House of Fatima, and Persan's own 6-year-old brand of colorful silkscreen cotton dresses, for which the store was named. (PS -- if you're heading on vacation soon, she's selling some comfy-cool Better Than Jam sundresses right now for $30! We scooped up one for Miami this month).
Better Than Jam is throwing an opening party Friday night and will be hosting trunk shows and workshops regularly. It's good retail news for the community and a great opportunity for local talent.
Better Than Jam
1095 Flushing Avenue
Bushwick, Brooklyn
(631) 377-2500
www.betterthanjamnyc.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jan. 22, 2010,
Shop of the Week: glassybaby
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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How can you build a business on candle votives?? Stop by glassybaby's Hudson Street outpost and you'll see. Occupying the ground floor of a historic townhouse, the shop emanates a quiet, warm beauty that envelopes you like a hug. Rows of glassybaby in over 300 hues flicker around the space, each one handcrafted at the Seattle workshop. They can be used as vessels or little vases -- and there's a recent line of drinking glasses -- but a glassybaby is most spectacular when lit, revealing its unique color formation and glow. We want, like, a hundred of them! They're perfect for outdoor spaces, dinner party settings, home décor...or for someone who's just feeling a little down.
Knowing that five percent of glassybaby's gross goes toward charity is also uplifting. There are even designated colors that directly benefit local and national orgs contributing to cancer patient care and research. glassybaby has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars already. After beating cancer three times over seven years, Rhodes wants glassybaby to help others shine, too.
glassybaby
555 Hudson St
(917) 546-6850
www.glassybaby.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jan. 13, 2010,
Shop of the Week, Artsy Edition: Never Can Say Goodbye
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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We stopped by yesterday to check in on the space, and a wave of nostalgia washed over us -- late nights flipping through bins, David Bowie sightings -- oh, the memories! NLE curators Manon Sloane and Asher Remy-Toledo took us around as construction workers and many of the artists prepared for the opening. Never Can Say Goodbye features the work of over twenty artists in various mediums. Ted Riederer created a record store installation for the occasion, complete with original music posters, a performance stage, and bins with hundreds of albums organized so their titles read as one long lyrical poem. His "store" is called Never Records, and many of the album covers and posters were donated by local shops and artists like Marilyn Minter. Paul Villinski, whose work we discovered last September while visiting the Tommy Hilfiger flagship (of all places), was taking a break from a signature flying record piece he's still tweaking. Using old LPs to form little birds, Villinski plans to mount them emerging from an old-fashioned player. "I'll probably call it Diaspora," he said. "All these records were mine and kind of tell a story of my life. And what's funny is that some of them still had the Tower Records stickers on them from when I bought them here decades ago. I spent a lot of Saturday nights here hanging out." We'll be sure to check back for the finished product.
There's tons to see, hear and experience, including a hilarious tribute wall made of Vanilla Ice magazine covers, a station for burning African music archived by Siebren Versteeg according to country, and weekly performances by bands. Many of the artist-designed work will be for sale, along with music, posters, and limited-edition exhibition merch. Never Can Say Goodbye is free and open January 15th through February 13th.
Never Can Say Goodbye
692 Broadway
www.nolongerempty.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jan. 6, 2010,
Shop of the Week: Alibi
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Alibi represented seven brands when they opened, but their roster has already grown to ten -- and it will constantly evolve. Current collections include Brooklyn-based Dirty Librarian Chains, whose chain clips and cinches add swagger to any article of clothing. Nervous System makes stainless lacework pieces and web-like rubber designs that look -- dare we say - a little Rodarte-y? There's also a smattering of lovely winter accessories - best of all are the cashmere and organic wool "Scarfettes" by Marketa. They're a chic and compact alternative to the bulky knit scarves everyone and their grandmother is wearing this winter.
Liu established Alibi in part to help new jewelry talent succeed. But she's also helping those of us who enjoy a conversation piece that doesn't cost a fortune. Many of Alibi's goods are priced below $100, which makes this place a real gem.
Alibi
241 Mulberry Street
(212) 226-7373
www.alibinyc.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Dec. 23, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Babel Fair
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Posted Dec. 9, 2009,
Shop of the Week: House of Savoia
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Trained by several big name fashion designers -- and his grandfather, a Sicilian tailor -- Savoia has a snazzy ready-to-wear men's line of dress shirts, suits, trousers, coats and ties as well as accessories like gloves, hats, scarves and cufflinks. But his main bag is bespoke. Savoia creates made-to-measure duds for a roster of clients ranging from Wall Street traders to mega rockstars. Sharp-dressed men who want a dash of brio -- or some major bravado -- in their wardrobes.
While his signature '30s style may have earned him a reputation as the zoot-suit king, Savoia encourages clients to consider their own inspirations. There are consultations, an extensive research library, and store manager Pistol Pete to guide you toward a look that's authentic and personal. For special clients visiting from out of town, there's also a private hotel suite in the back equipped with an entertainment room and office to T.C.B. while in N.Y.C.
The House of Savoia keeps alive the tradition of fine Italian craftsmanship -- and keeps it mad cool. We love the unique apparel -- and an appointment for a special piece by Savoia could make a great gift.
House of Savoia
147 Essex Street
(212) 677-6979
Photos by: Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Dec. 1, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Swatch
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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The store just debuted an exclusive Sign of the Times watch ($65) which benefits the City Harvest food rescue organization. It's got a colorful band with Times Square iconography and is part of brand's Destinations collection, a vibrant line featuring cityscapes from around the country. We dug the 2009 Seasons watches -- a festive, chic collection in all black and gold ($95 and up) -- and noted several Chrono Automatics showcased throughout the store. They're the new line of self-winding chrono automatic precision timepieces -- and with competitive pricing ($380) for world-renowned Swiss performance, they're a runaway hit for the brand.
There are hundreds of watches to see here -- including custom-made chandeliers made out of Swatches. Check out the pictures above or bust a move to Times Square for the full Swatch experience. The staff is super-attentive and the store is open until midnight (1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) for added gift-buying convenience.
Swatch
1528 Broadway
(212) 764-5541
www.swatch.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Nov. 12, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Wool and the Gang
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Nestled on Thompson Street in SoHo, the store will feature Wool and the Gang's hand-knit apparel and different lines of bright-colored, top-quality Peruvian yarn. More important, the space will serve as a home base and meeting place for the Gang's many members. There's a big working table in the middle of the store so you can start your snood or scarf on the spot. The Wool and the Gang designers have their workshop on the premises and can provide expertise.
We stopped by to chat with some of the Gang yesterday as they prepared for tonight's opening party. Between rolling coats of white paint and hammering up shelves, they shared their enthusiasm for settling in New York. "This city really gets the concept...surrounding yourself with all different people. Creating something funky or glamorous or just cool," said Nadège Winter, their style manager, from Paris. Could more Wool and the Gang shops be in the cards? "We're looking at Portland, San Francisco and other cities that share this spirit and would seem like a good fit," Jennifer Murray, their North American developer, confirmed.
Right now, though, they're focusing on this location: The studio/shop will be unveiled tonight and open for business tomorrow. We are already signed up for one of their knitting classes and will be sure to report back with shots of the finished interior -- and our own knitted masterpiece (gulp). You can officially call us part of the Gang!
Wool and the Gang
98 Thompson St.
www.woolandthegang.com
Posted Nov. 1, 2009,
Shop of the Week: A Little Wicked
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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So what makes this newcomer stand out in a neighborhood sprinkled with second-hand stores? For one, no attitude! Robyn, who runs A Little Wicked, is an effervescent style guru, bubbling with ideas and fashion tips for all body types. Tell her what you're seeking and watch her pull it together. Because she genuinely enjoys helping you. Secondly, this assortment is everything you want and nothing you don't. Sometimes so-called vintage stores feel a little like Good Will -- with ten thousand busted pieces for every good one you find. A Little Wicked, however, is carefully-curated, with chic, flirty separates that are totally wearable. The Morenos embarked on a road trip this year, collecting quality vintage clothing from New York to Savannah, and then modified much of it for a superior look and fit -- a ruffle here, a shorter hemline there. Finally, where many vintage parlors veer toward kitschy or too cutesy, A Little Wicked is...well...a little wicked! The style is sophisticated, but with a dash of edgy humor.
Posted Oct. 21, 2009,
Shop of the Week: rag & bone
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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On Monday night a swarm of sexy well-wishers feted rag & bone's new SoHo location. It's the brand's third retail venture here in Manhattan, though arguably their most significant. When designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville were getting rag & bone off the ground, they operated the company out of Denise Williamson's showroom upstairs. Now this address houses their international flagship.
It's not hard to see how this label has gathered so much momentum in just a few years. Lining the racks are rag & bone's signature black, navy, and gray separates that exude cool and understated chic style. This brand is the bedrock for a perfect downtown wardrobe -- their collections are hip, of course, but they're also totally wearable. The jackets, dresses, knits, denim, etc. can be layered and accessorized season after season, and they're made with high quality fabrics by old-school manufacturers. rag & bone added to their repertoire of tailored outerwear with some killer fall designs -- "we die" for the women's Charcoal Box-Tweed Napolean Coat (pictured above) and pretty much all of the men's leathers, coats and blazers. The Blue Printed Silk Hellcat Dress and the unexpected dashes of red also stood out among the clothing selection.
At 2,200-square-feet, the store clearly has a more expansive look than the label's cozy West Village men's and women's shops. Nevertheless, it retains the rag & bone charm with appointed touches like dressing rooms made of cloth hung from old meat racks, vintage and antique furniture, and rotating art work.
rag & bone
119 Mercer Street
(212) 219-2204
www.rag-bone.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Oct. 16, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Kai D.
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Menswear designer Kai D. has opened a pop-up shop to showcase his label's utilitarian look. Inspired by vintage workwear, hunting and military garb, Kai D. offers a full line of men's clothing that focuses on function and fit. We're talking shirts with thicker threads and triple-needle stitching at the side seams. Sturdy felt and suspender pants. A reinforced iPod pocket at the hip of a shirt that tunnels the cord and earbuds up to the chest. Details.
The brand's "built to last" commitment to craftsmanship doesn't mean these duds don't have style. The Kai D. wovens, knits, tees, bottoms, vests and jackets evoke an easy, timeless cool that we love. The pants have a clean cut (not too tight or trendy) and the jackets are chic yet totally versatile. The Varick coat featuring moleskin fabric, a shawl collar and plaid lining is a fave -- and one of the store's most popular sellers. At $525, you might call it an "investment piece" for your winter wardrobe.
Beyond the Kai D. men's collection currently selling, there is a handful of curated vintage pieces, including wool hats, Western belts and some rugged leather jackets. There's also a special "Build the Future" line of quirky vintage-inspired tees, bags and stationery. Twenty percent of their sales are donated directly to local children's charities.
The Kai D. pop-up occupies a small space on Orchard Street. It's outfitted with antiques and industrial display fixtures picked up at Brimfield and local flea markets, reinforcing the brand's utilitarian vibe. Scheduled to run through the end of November, we hope this solid addition to the L.E.S. hangs around much longer.
Kai D.
75 Orchard Street
(212) 334-6241>
kaidutility.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Sep. 29, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Tommy Hilfiger
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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The Tommy Hilfiger brand has some tony new digs on Fifth Avenue. Occupying a grand retail space once belonging to Fortunoff, the recently-opened store is the company's largest worldwide and serves as their new global flagship. Unlike many of the other big name flagships in the area, however, Tommy Hilfiger lacks that austere and intimidating vibe that sends many a visitor scurrying. What you'll discover instead is a warm, beautifully-curated manse that reflects the heart of the American chic label. Yes, that means a fair bit of red, white and blue, but also one-of-a-kind vintage décor, iconic furniture pieces, luxurious fixtures and world-class art installations.
The first and second floors house the men's sportswear and collection pieces, respectively. It's a robust selection of the designer's classic styles, with lots of thick plaid, stripes and his signature red, white and navy palette (with punches of eye-popping color). The store carries a full array of women's sportswear and runway pieces on floors three and four, including fashion and accessories exclusive to the location. We don't rock the preppy chic look very often but were wowed by the sweaters, knits, outerwear and especially the shoes. Look at those adorable pair of hot pink buckle flats above -- talk about a throwback! Even more impressive were the dazzling collection pieces and pink separates on floor four. Many of these items are part of the Tommy Hilfiger Fifth Avenue Pink Collection, with 30 percent of their sales in October benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
It's a standout store -- even on this famous retail strip -- that shows Tommy Hilfiger at its finest right here in the brand's hometown.
681 Fifth Ave.
(212) 223-1824
www.tommyhilfiger.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Sep. 16, 2009,
Shop of the Week: JF & Son
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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JF & SON have opened a retail outpost and communal design space in the former INVEN.TORY shop on Kenmare Street. The Storefront features the company's limited edition women's, men's and unisex pieces as well as their collaborative collections with local artists. It's an outstanding mix that emphasizes shape, detail, texture and design synergy.
Founder Jesse Finkelstein and partner Katie King experiment with their different fabrics and materials to create clothing that is both functional and cool. Perfect wardrobe staples (like black cotton dresses, light denim buttondowns and expertly-tailored silk blazers) line the racks alongside splashier designs -- handmade tie-dyed suede shoulder bags, dazzling multi-colored sequined tanks, mustard yellow beaded buckle belts, eye-popping patterned scarves, dresses with bold graphic prints, etc. (See some of these winners above). The Storefront is currently carrying a women's collection with Ellen Koenigsberg that fuses her keen vintage sensibility (she owns second-hand shop Ellen on Ludlow Street) with their one-of-a-kind textiles.
JF & SON is about more than great style, though. Their approach to design and production also sets them apart. The company has a studio in India, where they develop all their custom fabrics together with local artisans skilled in traditional beading, embroidery and printing. Their business model eliminates the middleman so they can ensure high quality goods, labor conditions and collaboration from New Delhi to here in Nolita.
JF & SON
19 Kenmare Street
(212) 696-0765
www.jfandson.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Sep. 3, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Use Your Head
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Nothing beats scoring a designer vintage piece for peanuts -- except, perhaps, knowing your purchase went toward a good cause. Double awesome! That's why we were pleased to discover Nolita newcomer Use Your Head. The shop features a stellar selection of vintage and contemporary designer pieces, with all proceeds going to the SoHo Partnership, a non-profit organization that provides job training and employment for New York's homeless.
The charity resale store is a new revenue stream for the Partnership (founded in '92), but things got off the ground quickly thanks to an impressive roster of fashionable donors. Lauren Hutton gave over 30 pairs of shoes. Marc Jacobs, Rachel Roy and Nicole Miller donated pieces from current collections. And Equinox sent over some lululemon athletic wear. All selling for at least 70 percent off retail prices...
Among the women's dresses, blouses, suits, bags, scarves and shoes, you'll find donated vintage wear from couture clients who had labels like Karl Lagerfeld, Mary McFadden and Pilar Rossi laying around. There's also a drool-worthy mix of gently-worn designer goods: We loved the Ferragamo plush red jacket ($300), a bad-ass pair of Ann Demeulemeester boots ($120) and those Roger Vivier red suede booties ($300), all pictured above. Add to that Valentino, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, collection pieces by Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang, and so on. Use Your Head carries a range of hip and haute, and it's all priced to move -- so you can help them to help others.
Use Your Head
262 Mott St.
(212) 334-6755
www.useyourheadnyc.org
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Aug. 24, 2009,
Shop of the Week: s.kuhlman
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Scott and Susan Kuhlman have relaunched their menswear label and they're rolling out new stores to boot. The Euro-inspired dress shirt company has set up shop on the bustling corner of Third Avenue and 59th Street. It's a beautiful three-story building that features pressed-tin ceilings, oak floors, and huge windows overlooking the Bloomingdales frenzy below. The scene inside s.kuhlman is considerably calmer and much more refined, which makes browsing their nice selection of casual and business shirts all the more enjoyable.
The brand was founded on the idea of bringing the old-fashioned art of European dress shirts to today's modern man at prices everyone can afford. Influenced by the colors and styles they see when visiting their home in Italy, the Kuhlmans incorporate gingham, stripes, paisleys, florals and plenty of blues, whites and purples within their collections. The shirts are designed with a two-button spread collar, six-button front closure, and subtle details in the pockets and stitching. The look is classic cool (yet office-appropriate), and at $85 a shirt, you can stockpile your wardrobe for all occasions.
s.kuhlman is expanding their business beyond the dress shirt to include men's blazers, sportcoats, cashmere sweaters and more. The blazers will have an exaggerated collar and funky lining -- offering a fresh take on an old-school favorite. Watch for them to hit the store next week, and stay tuned for more s.kuhlman developments as this brand charts its menswear comeback.
s.kuhlman
989 Third Ave.
(212) 486-9300
www.skuhlman.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Aug. 13, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Vince
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Is it autumn yet? Because we'd like to break out some Vince luxe-casual separates already! The LA-based contemporary clothing brand just opened their second retail outpost here in NYC, and it's replete with chic versatile pieces for the upcoming season. The main draw, of course, is the company's super-soft cashmere: Women's cardigans, crew necks, tunics, turtlenecks, tanks, and dresses line the racks in an array of rich earth and berry tones. But there's more to Vince than their signature cashmere. We were wowed by the herringbone boyfriend blazers, fur vests, prima cotton tees and fitted leather jackets (check the Paper Leather Drape Neck Jacket above - meow!). The selection is understated and cool, layers easily, and can be styled up or down -- excellent investment pieces, in other words.
The company launched a menswear line last year, and it occupies a good part of the new space. Much like the women's garb, the emphasis here is on clean design and subtle detailing. The Duo Plaid Shirt features a check pattern on the reverse side of the sleeve (making it more than your usual flannel), while a pair of cotton straight leg pants has a dash of elastane for a little stretch and much leaner look.
Neon green mannequins aside, the new Vince store has settled into the cozy confines of Nolita rather unobtrusively. Its big(ger) name might have been cause for concern, but as it turns out, the interior is sharp, the staff is friendly, and a nice mix tourists, fashionistas, and neighbors stopped by during our visit.
Vince
16 Prince Street
(212) 343-1945
www.vince.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jul. 22, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Hamlet's Vintage
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Hamlet's Vintage is celebrating its one year anniversary this summer -- a proud mini-milestone for an indie-run boutique in these times. Owner Hamlet Tallaj first opened a pop-up on West Broadway during the 2007 holidays. Shoppers responded warmly to his mix of men's and women's boots, sandals, tees, buttondowns, dresses, jackets, jeans, accessories and so forth, so he set permanent roots in a wee space on Bleecker Street.
What Hamlet's Vintage lacks in size, it makes up for in spunk and selection. Hamlet changes up the merch several times a week, so you never know what you're going to find here: Black suede ankle boots with silver studs that are so of-the-moment?? Check. Token '80s threadbare tee from a random New Jersey ice-cream shop?? Check. Full-length velvet and tulle tiered ball gown?? Check. Men's seersucker dinner jackets, Italian army coats and '70s Lacoste windbreakers?? Well, you get the idea.
Not only is the assortment one-of-a-kind and ever-changing (thanks to his savvy cross-country buying squad), it’s affordable, too! Like, $25 affordable. So there's no guilt factor -- just good times as you comb through the crammed racks and shoot the breeze with Hamlet and Travis, his fluffy Border Collie Husky (and the official business mascot). If you're unable to stop by the store but curious to see what's in stock, the shop's Facebook page has an up-to-the-minute stream of Hamlet's latest fashion finds.
Hamlet's Vintage
162 Bleecker St.
(212) 228-1561
www.hamletsvintage.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jul. 16, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Guess
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Guess who's sexing up Soho?? The clothing brand that brought you Anna Nicole Smith in the early '90s (and steamy ad campaigns ever since) is hoping to turn some heads with a revamped flagship on Broadway. Opened back in 1997, the Guess store was due for a little nip/tuck. The heavy oak and neutral tones have been scrapped for something more in step with the label's fresh edgy attitude. A shiny black tin ceiling is up, mirrored columns have been installed, and the landmark building's original brick work is exposed once again.
It's less glam and more grit here at Guess. Mics, amps, turntables and guitars are displayed around the 8,700-square-foot store, and the goods have undergone a bit of a rock makeover, too. You'll find plenty of shredded, studded and silk-screened attire, and in a back-to-basics move, there is denim galore. We also discovered a few hidden gems: a casual gray flannel dress for the girls is super-cute and there's some new footwear for the men that reflects a sharper sartorial stance (see pictures above). The store has an upbeat energy with thumping music and a staff that's all smiles, making it a fun stop on the Broadway shopping stretch downtown.
Guess
537 Broadway
(212) 852-0513
www.guess.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jul. 6, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Dunlin
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Dunlin handbag designers Shiho Nagashima and Ramana Goldstein have opened their first retail outpost in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Long-time residents of the 'hood, the artist duo discovered the storefront while seeking new storage space for their growing line of bespoke bags. Established in 2006, Dunlin produces a small collection of uni-sex shoulder bags and duffels each season. "No girlie bags here," Nagashima said with a smile as I surveyed a heavily-varnished gray tote. Indeed, the look is raw and rather industrial, but not without an obvious commitment to craftsmanship. Top-of-the-line leathers from around the world are hand-finished and the customized hardware detailing has been individually applied. Beyond the rugged exterior beauty of these designs, shape and versatility have also been carefully considered -- Dunlin bags will work with a pair of Balenciaga booties as well as on the back of a Harley.
Nagashima and Goldstein transformed what was a basic white-walled T-shirt shop into an exquisite setting that rivals any high fashion magazine spread we've lately seen. Thrifted furniture pieces –- from sewing tables to a piano bench and bedpost --- have been re-purposed to artfully display the Dunlin bags. Deconstructed chandeliers and antique décor reinforce the brand’s chic weathered vibe. Though the bags here may cost a pretty penny, a visit to Dunlin is truly worthwhile.
Dunlin
263 S. 1st St.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
(718) 915-6982
www.dunlin.us
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski
Posted Jun. 25, 2009,
Shop of the Week: Swarovski Crystallized
By Rebecca Prusinowski
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Welcome to the dazzling world of Swarovski Crystallized. The company internationally renowned for their cut crystal has opened a new concept store in SoHo. It’s an impressive 5,000-square-foot space where customers can create their own jewelery, browse the company’s seasonal and limited-edition collections, consult with a computerized personal stylist service, or take five with crème brûlée in a slick on-site café. You could easily spend a day here there’s so much going on…
Fortunately, the store is organized so it’s not too overwhelming. A “Library of Light” featuring over 2000 Swarovski Elements runs along the entire left wall. It took nine people over four days to put together this color-coordinated display system. Shoppers can select from the vast array of cuts, shapes, crystals, charms, natural and synthetic stones to customize a jewelry piece that is totally their own. The store offers any equipment and hands-on expertise you (may) require to make it all come together. (Seriously, the assistant manager I met with was a Swarovski wizard).
Beyond the DIY fixings are Swaroski’s finished collections, which include rolling seasonal selections and designer collaborations. Right now you can find a range of styles -- from Indian-influenced baubles by Manish Arora to Christopher Kane’s chunky “It-pieces” -- selling at a reasonable $40 all the way up to $1000.
If you can quit ogling these goods for long enough, do make your way toward the back of the store and downstairs. The pièce de résistance here is the 33-foot, 2000-pound custom-made cascading crystal chandelier. Check it out above. There are also one-of-a-kind accessories made with Swarowski Crystallized Elements exhibited for creative inspiration. The store is a veritable treasure trove that will have the likes of Mr. Mickey going gaga!
Swarovski Crystallized
499 Broadway
(212) 966-3322
www.swarovski-crystallized.com
Photos by Rebecca Prusinowski