Too Good To Let Pass By

I don't have a whole lot of time to go shopping these days, but this weekend I found myself in the SOHO area, and the new J Crew's men's shop looked too good to let pass by.

The new store has a raw aged vibe, pairing some of the original historic structures from the 1800s with unvarnished barnwood knotty pine paneled walls and bare plank flooring. The space is reminiscent of a cross between a tailor shop from the 50s and someone’s library. Random yet beautiful paraphernalia, such as a collection of vintage locks, that seemed to be curated or found instead of bought adorn the space. In the back of the shop, there’s the Suit Shop, which plays with an interesting store within a store concept, and it houses J. Crew’s signature Ludlow and Aldridge styles alongside a vintage tie bar and high calibre shirting. The historical original storefront and interior design paired with a meticulously selected array of items draw the entire space together into a reminiscent narrative.

One of the most delightful aspects of the new store is the plethora of exclusive collaborative pieces with some of the most renowned and skilled menswear companies such as Russell Moccasin shoes, Thomas Mason shirts and Alden oxfords. Other than heritage brands, J. Crew has also brought in edgier, but nevertheless high quality labels such as Mister Freedom to collaborate on some key pieces and accessories.

J. Crew Mens Shop
484 Broadway | Map
New York, NY 10013

I'm busy...but back to blogging!!

I've been away from the blogging world for a little while, but now I am back to let you all know what I've been up to. Recently, I was hired on with the New York City based interior design firm, Huniford Design Studio. Ford, the owner and principal threw me into his world of busy, busy, busy, and make it work, make it work, make it work!! Well, I guess I'm exaggerating a little, but It's really nice working with a team of designers again. Before, I was designing on my own, and that got lonely once in a while, but atleast I had great clients that kept me entertained. The project I am currently working on at Huniford is the charity event called Design on a Dime.

Design on a Dime is New York City’s most popular interior design charity event! For the fifth anniversary, 50 of the world’s top interior designers will create unforgettable room vignettes with new merchandise, donated and then sold for 60 to 80 percent off retail pricing.

All proceeds from Design on a Dime go to Housing Works, the nation’s largest grassroots AIDS service organization. Founded in 1990, Housing Works provides lifesaving services to homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS at facilities such as its Stand Up Harlem House, a fully renovated 16-apartment multiple-brownstone residence. More than 20,000 homeless men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS have benefited from Housing Works’ housing, medical and dental care, meals, job training and other vital services. Since 2005 Design on a Dime has raised more than $2 million in support of Housing Works.

The photos above are just some of the works of Huniford Design Studios. I am very pleased to be working for such an amazing, prominent N.Y. designer, and even more pleased that I am involved with such a great charity event, it makes what I do even that much more meaningful. I promise to keep everyone posted on my journey, and always remember to check back for those small bites from this Big Apple! xoxoxo

Huniford Design Studios Website
http://www.jameshuniford.org/section.php?i=3


http://www.housingworks.org/events/design-on-a-dime/