I decided to approach my first trip to New York with a calm and calculated approach. I knew I wouldn't see it all, so I didn't dare try, I will most certainly be back in the future.
There were a few stops on my must see list, and funnily enough they were mainly shops. Forgive me for sounding uncultured but obviously (keeping in mind I am writing this blog) I find this kind of thing interesting.
I think stores can tell you more about a city than the landmarks within it. Times Square for example tells me nothing about New York besides its busy and full of tourists. Walking around the Upper East Side I can see the affluence and polish of blow-dried, manicured ladies with a Céline bag on their elbow and Louboutins on their feet. Luxury brands dot every corner and the big department stores are brimming with ladies (husbands in tow) searching for an outfit for their next big event. Throughout Soho and the Meatpacking district the attitude is a little lighter and a lot calmer than I expected, now women sporting PS1's dart in and out of designer boutiques after brunch with their girlfriends; designer stores and multi-brand boutiques are light, spacious and inviting, a pleasure to browse. Cross over the bridge to Williamsburg and again the style is slightly different, visiting an A.P.C sample sale one Saturday morning a queue running the length of the street resembled a catwalk of young creative cool the area has now become known for. Coffee shops, thrift stores and independent boutiques fill the streets as do girls with Wang bags and boys with fixies, all wearing the latest pair of designer sunglasses.
The phrases "downtown cool" and "uptown chic" are thrown around so often these days it can become a little nauseating, but I can say after my first visit to the big apple I now fully understand these labels and most womens desire to dress like one or the other.
I have selected my five favourite stores from this visit in what I believe to be separate categories (i.e. not competing with each other).
Department Store: Barneys New York
A huge selection of international and local New York brands; much more relaxed during the week than on the weekend (as most department stores are) Barney’s is the perfect place to get a feel for young American designer labels including Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Philip Lim, Rodarte and The Row. Take some time to enjoy the ultra creative and often humorous window instilations before rushing inside.
BARNEYS NEW YORK
660 Madison Avenue
New York NY 10065
Mon-Fri: 10am - 8pm
Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm
Sat: 10am - 7pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm
Store enquiries: +1 212 826 8900
Feeling like more of a gallery than a store the Prada boutique on Broadway does a good job of striping away the formality that leaves most luxury stores intimidating and empty. A huge wave fills the centre of the store, flowing from the entrance down to the lower floor, opening up cave-like spaces filled with the latest collections. The space draws people in to admire the architecture; a clever idea considering the hard part is often getting customers though the door. With their latest must-have accessories I am sure making sales is the easy part.
PRADA
575 Broadway
New York NY 10012
USA
Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: 12 noon - 7pm
Sun: 12 noon - 7pm
Store enquiries: +1 212 334 8888
http://www.prada.com/New York Designer: Alexander Wang
The young star of New York’s fashion scene Alexander Wang has grown his brand at a steady rate since the launch of his full womenswear collection in 2007. The opening of his first flagship store in Soho earlier this year is sure to be the first of many as the brands popularity continues to grow. The store is a beautiful open space showing his full collection including T by Alexander Wang, accessories and jewellery collaborations.
Below is a short interview with the designer of the making of his first flagship store:
ALEXANDER WANG
103 Grand Street
New York NY 10013
USA
Mon-Sat: 11am - 7pm
Sun: 12 noon - 6pm
Sun: 12 noon - 6pm
Store enquiries: +1 212 977 9683
http://www.alexanderwang.com/Multi-brand Boutique: Opening Ceremony
Boasting a wide variety of young and established designers, Opening Ceremony’s New York and Part Deux stores sit side by side on Howard Street and provide a colourful and fun shopping experience for all. Known for their collaborations with designers from around the globe the store often stocks pieces that cannot be bought anywhere else. Prices are known to be high but I am willing to part with my dollars just for the experience.
OPENING CEREMONY NEW YORK
33 & 35 Howard Street
New York NY 10013
USA
Mon-Sat: 11am - 8pm
Sun: 12 noon - 7pm
Sun: 12 noon - 7pm
Store enquiries: +1 212 219 2688
http://www.openingceremony.us/Independent Boutique: A Détacher
This little boutique is a quiet haven to shop in. Looking more like someone's home than a shop it stocks beautifully wearable
clothing and accessories by the designer label. Established in 1998 the brand has experienced a steady customer base of in-the-know stylists and editors and has lately moved a little more onto the fashion radar for those seeking quality product with a point of difference.
A DÉTACHER
262 Mott Street
New York NY 10012
USA
Mon: Closed
Tues- Sat: 12 noon – 7pm
Sun: 1pm - 6pm
Sun: 1pm - 6pm
Store enquiries: +1 212 625 3380
http://adetacher.com/
