Just back in the shop from a trip to the Big Apple. Staying with a friend in Greenwich Village provided easy access to my favorite design row in Manhattan: Greene St. from W. Houston down to Prince Street.
Walking along Greene Street, you will encounter cobblestone blocks of cast-iron buildings dating from 1869-95. This Gilded Age splendor is only belied by the ateliers nestled inside the buildings. It’s great to check up on the latest goods at design standbys: the ALESSI flagship for the latest in cocktail couture, Jonathan Adler (because your stylish grandma could always use another tchotchke), and superstore MOSS. But as is the style of pH, I always end up drawn to the smaller, locally-owned digs. So the next time you’re in NY, check out the new boutique of San Fran designer Glory Chen, devour double-ring denim at Italian Replay, and revel in Japanese hip hop hit designs at A Bathing Ape.
I was pleasantly reminded of Houston when I landed upon a design shack called Cite (not to be confused with our friends at Cite).
The shop specializes in contemporary classics, as well as award-winning international young designers such as Ineke Hans, Tonky Designs, Redstr the collective, Rob Teeters, Design Can, Industreal Italy and Freitag Switzerland.
After stomping around SoHo, my choice to refuel is Kelley & Ping. Ask for the Malaysian curried noodles and you’ll thank me later.
