 |
Text by Mary Forsell
Lace up your walking shoes and prepare for a two-day odyssey. First, head
downtown to the fashionable nexus of neighborhoods known as Soho, NoLita, and
the East Village. Whatever you call them, the arty vibe is the same. In this
place of contradiction, you can dine on the cheap at ethnic spots like Café
Habana and Café Gitane, or just as easily drop $800 on a tiny evening bag. Be
sure to visit Cath Kidston’s boutique, brimming with festive oilcloth by the
yard, as well as John Derian’s decoupage emporium.
On day two, it’s on to the
Garment District in Midtown, where
sidewalks rumble with rolling garment racks,
trucks double-park, and
horns honk noisily. But step inside the shops, and
you’ll be dazzled.
Metalliferous is a bead and metalworker’s candy store.
M&J Trimming is a wonderland of beads and
buttons. Tinsel Trading enchants
with trim, fabric
flowers, tassels, and fringe. “Our clients are doll makers,
jewelry
artists, movie and theater people,” says owner Marcia Ceppos. “This is
their secret source.” So now you know.
(a) Fancy a grenadine or a plaid silk for your next sewing project? Then
hightail it to Mood Fabrics, a 25,000-square-foot wonderland of textiles.
Designers swear by it. (b) Hipsters contemplating the universe find a
tranquil refuge at Café Gitane’s sidewalk tables.(c) Cotton-linen separates at Kinnu feature complex appliqué work and other
details.
(d) China berries suspended in a vintage jar at Polux Fleuriste.
(e) The fabric flower wall at Tinsel Trading is handily color-coded.
(f)
Paula Rubinstein carries vintage photos from the 19th century through the 1930s.
(g) Read with the fashionistas and literati at Universal News.
Designs On Manhattan page
1 |
2
 Stumble It!
archive »
|
