DUMBO: The New Soho

Last weekend, my sister Lily (who writes the fashion news on Splendora) and I had the pleasure of strolling around DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge) Brooklyn, and we arrived at the conclusion that DUMBO is what Soho was in the 80s--the new new thing--filled with chic, artsy trendsetters who seem unaware of our bruised economy. The shops were bustling with these hipsters and we, too, did our part in stimulating the financial system. Here are Lily & Gina's 5 Favorite DUMBO Shops:

1. POWERHOUSE BOOKS - I'm already a bookstore fanatic so the aptly named Powerhouse Books on Main Street took my bibliophilia to another level. They have an ultra cool built-in arena to showcase exhibitions and performances in all areas of art--photography, design, fashion, pop culture, advertising, music, dance, film and television. I felt a rush when I caught a glimpse of Marc Jacobs' set-up materials for the next exhibit. See past events in the Powerhouse Books Arena here. 

2. BLUEBERI - The latest Beri from Suewayne Brown, owner of Redberi in Prospect Heights, Blueberi boasts a well-edited collection for the city sophisticate. They carry my Euro faves like Anglomania Vivienne Westwood and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel as well as exceptional local designers like Sweet William. They're on 143A Front Street near Pearl.

3. NOS SHOES - Owner Racquel Nosworthy is a kindred spirit who loves sexy shoes but also likes to mix it up with a little funky edge. She carries the not so obvious brands like Pour la Victoire, Corso Como and Matiko. Nos is located at 68 Jay Street between Front & Water.

4. ZOE - The latest from the runway can be found in this luxurious 3,500 sq. ft boutique stocked with Lanvin, Matthew Williamson, Rag & Bone and other Splendora favorites. We spied pieces here that aren't even available in Manhattan! Zoe is on Washington Street near Front but you can also shop online.

5. POMME- Here's a sweet boutique for the kids with treasures from all over the globe. Pomme carries exquisite toys, clothes and home decor. We poked around here and picked up a few last minute baby shower gifts. Pomme is also on Washington Street (but near York) and you can shop online here too.

You can learn more about our new favorite neighborhood on the DUMBO NYC Website.

 

Follow Gina Pell on Twitter: www.twitter.com/splendorahq

Comments

[wing girl kim]

01:53 PM on 12/15/2009

I have an art studio in Dumbo. Yes, there are yuppies in the 'hood. But there are also locals, artists, beggars, dogs, hipsters, ConEd workers, construction workers, business owners, parents, children, and others. People who take one look at Dumbo and hang on to an impression of money is missing a beautiful town of people who look out for each other. Dumbo is a small town inside a big city. Don't talk down about a place you don't know. For those who want to visit, come to 68 Jay bar where you can get $5 drafts, $3 during happy hour. For great food, visit Superfine. Or grab a sandwich for $4 at Ajima's on Jay Street at Water and bring it over to 68 Jay.

[devadasi]

04:39 PM on 11/18/2009

Let's hope and pray that Dumbo doesn't turn into another Soho. Soho is the 80's was fabulous; a real bohemia, until corporate America and Guiliani's R.E. buddies got their claws into it. Today I wouldn't be caught dead in Soho; it's become a playground for empty suits, the rich, the D list famous and those who think Soho is hip. At this point the UES is a lot hipper than Soho. We don't need anymore deisigner boutiques, designer shoes, designer bags and designer crap...period!

[wing girl kim]

01:55 PM on 12/15/2009

Please read my comment.

[FultonFerry]

01:21 AM on 11/15/2009

It stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.

[Garioch]

05:09 PM on 11/13/2009

I thought it stood for Directly Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass?

[Darcman]

01:59 PM on 11/14/2009

That is what it stands for!