by Jayna Maleri, Condé Nast Traveler
Courtesy The Line
These are the vintage boutiques, bookstores, and shops where you're most likely to spot the New York Fashion Week crowd.
New York Fashion week kicks off tomorrow, which means this (already chic) city is about to get an extra dose of style. Editors, photographers, designers, bloggers, and street style stars will be seen scurrying from one show to another as quickly as their (improbably high) heels will take them, but even in a packed week of fashion shows, presentations, dinners, parties, and industry events, there's always time for a little shopping. We asked some of our favorite tastemakers where they shop when they're in town for the shows, and these are a few of their can't-miss spots.
1. THE LINE AND THE APARTMENT
If there's one thing New York's fashionable set can agree on, it's that no visit to New York is complete without a stop at The Line and The Apartment on Greene Street in SoHo. Created by twins Kate and Morgan Wendelborn and stylist Vanessa Traina, stepping into the light-filled space is a great way to leave the city behind, if only for a few moments. "There is no better escape from the streets of New York Fashion Week than The Line and The Apartment," says Traina. "You can put your feet up for a minute while shopping a beautifully curated selection of fashion and home and beauty goods. You will no doubt walk out with a new fashion week wardrobe of our classic and covetable pieces." Style star (and Condé Nast Travelercontributing editor) Sofia Sanchez de Betak agrees: "It's the most comfortable place to shop in the city," she says "It just feels like you're at home."
2. DE VERA ANTIQUES
For vintage finds and exquisite antique jewelry, head to the well-curated De Vera Antiques on Crosby Street. "Every object is chosen with an impeccable eye, and you can expect to find ancient Roman glass next to Meiji period kokeishi dolls," says brand consultant and curator Hikari Yokoyama. "The owner also makes jewelery from antique pieces like Georgian brooches, hand-cut diamonds, and Sardinian coral. Prices can be shocking," she warns, "but it is still worth a visit. And don't be shy--ask questions about the objects, you'll leave with a mini history lesson." You also might spot designer Isabel Marant, who calls De Vera "My very own cabinet de curiosités."
Courtesy Fivestory
3. FIVESTORY
Though much of the action during New York Fashion Week takes place downtown, Fivestory, Claire Distenfeld's multi-floor shopping experience on the Upper East Side, is a guaranteed way to get the fashion-focused to venture above 14th Street. "New York has a wonderful culture of multi-brand stores where you can always discover new things," says Hikari Yokoyama "Fivestory is one of my favorites." It's also tops fashion consultant and street style star Miroslava Duma's list. "I love how elegant everything is in Fivestory and how Claire is taking chances with young, not-yet-established designers," says Duma. "Everyone should try to take time during fashion week to pop in this very inspiring store."
4. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
For anyone looking to hit the throwback jackpot, vintage store What Goes Around Comes Around on West Broadway has the potential for major payoff. The flagship store, which opened in 1993 (and has since spun off locations in Los Angeles, East Hampton, and Kuwait City) is the best place to go to find luxe secondhand goods, from labels like Chanel, Hermes, and Comme des Garcons. "Shopping here is like a treasure hunt," says System Magazine co-founder Elizabeth von Guttman. And for those even more adventurous shoppers, here's a tip, courtesy of Hikari Yokoyama: "You can make an appointment to visit their warehouse, and they'll let you dig through the massive spread of Americana-focused treasures they have there."
5. THE STRAND BOOKSTORE
A New York institution, which famously carries "18 miles of books," Strand Book Store is a bibliophile's paradise on Broadway that has been selling new, used, and rare books since 1927. It's also an unlikely spot to recharge between shows. "I love to go there just to relax and look through old books," says Sofia Sanchez de Betak. And model/stylist Tati Cotilar puts it even more succinctly when she says: "It's the best bookstore downtown."
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