New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [142]
Clothing
A Bathing Ape.
Known simply as BAPE to devotees, this exclusive label has a cult following in its native Tokyo. At first it may be hard to see what the fuss is about. A small selection of camouflage gear and limited-edition T-shirts is placed throughout the minimalist space; the real scene stealers are the flashy retro-style sneakers in neon colors. | 91 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/925–0222 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Agent Provocateur.
If Victoria’s Secret is too tame for you, try this British lingerie shop, which has a naughty twist. Showpieces include boned corsets, lace sets with contrast-color trim, bottoms tied with satin ribbons, and a few fetish-type leather ensembles. A great selection of stockings is complemented by the garter belts to secure them. | 133 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/965–0229 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Anna Sui.
The violet-and-black salon, with its Victorian rock-chick vibe, is the ideal setting for Sui’s bohemian and rocker-influenced designs and colorful beauty products. | 113 Greene St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/941–8406 | Subway: R to Prince St.
A.P.C.
This hip French boutique sells deceptively simple clothes in an equally understated setting. Watch your step on the uneven wooden floorboards while choosing narrow gabardine and corduroy suits or dark denim jeans and jackets. For women, best bets include striped sweaters and skinny jeans. | 131 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/966–9685 | Subway: 6 to Spring St.; R to Prince St.
Betsey Johnson.
The SoHo store departs from the traditional (if such a word can be applied) hot-pink interior; instead, its walls are whitewashed with painted roses, and there’s a bordello-red lounge area in back. Most of her dresses, coats, and accessories have slightly kooky patterns; the calmest items are the little black dresses. This is not the place for natural fibers—it’s ruled by rayon, stretch, and the occasional faux fur. | 138 Wooster St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/995–5048 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Catherine Malandrino.
Celebs like Halle Berry love this French-born designer for her sexy-without-trying-too-hard looks. Shop for silk V-neck gowns or one-shouldered ruched wool dresses. | 652 Hudson St., at W. 13th St., Meatpacking District | 10014 | 212/929–8710 | Subway: A, C, E to 14th St.
Christopher Fischer.
Featherweight cashmere sweaters, wraps, and throws in every hue from Easter-egg pastels to rich jewel tones have made Fischer the darling of the preppy set. His shop also carries leather accessories and such home wares as throw pillows and baby clothes. | 80 Wooster St., between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/965–9009 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.
Comptoir des Cotonniers.
The “cotton counter” angles for multigenerational shopping, lining up stylish, comfortable basics for babies, twentysomethings, ladies of a certain age, and everyone in between. There’s a subtle Parisian vibe to the understated tunics, dresses, and separates; colors tend to be earthy. The brand’s first U.S. branch has a nature-friendly minimalist look, with pale-wood floors and lots of natural light. | 155 Spring St., at West Broadway, SoHo | 10012 | 212/274–0830 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
Costume National.
Everything about this boutique is sexy and minimalist, with an edge. The clothes—and lighting—are dark. Shoppers will find sharply tailored wool pants for men and silky tops for women in muted shades of black, gray, and charcoal, along with motorcycle boots and leather gloves. | 160 Mercer St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/431–1530 | Subway: C, E to Spring St.
Emporio Armani.
At this middle child of the Armani trio, the clothes are dressy without quite being formal, and are frequently offered in cream, muted blues, and ever-cool