New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [144]
Paul Smith.
Fans love Paul Smith for his classic-with-a-twist clothes, and his 5,000-square-foot flagship is a temple to his design ethos and inspirations. Victorian mahogany cases complement the dandyish British styles they hold. Embroidered vests; brightly striped socks, scarves, and shirts; and tongue-in-cheek cuff links leaven the classic, double-back-vent suits for men. Women head for the tailored suits and separates, classic outerwear, and dresses. Plus, you’ll find furniture and a selection of photography books and ephemera. | 142 Greene St., between Prince and W. Houston Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 646/613–3060 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti.
The designer’s eye for delicate detailing and soft, feminine design is evident in the perforated hemlines, embroidered stitching, and sprinkling of beads across gauzy fabrics and knits. | 452 West Broadway, between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/460–5500 | Subway: F, M to Broadway–Lafayette St.
Prada.
This ultramodern space, designed by Rem Koolhaas, incorporates so many technological innovations that it was written up in Popular Science. The dressing-room gadgets alone include liquid crystal displays, changeable lighting, and scanners that link you to the store’s database. | 575 Broadway, at Prince St., SoHo | 10012 | 212/334–8888 | Subway: R to Prince St.
R by 45rpm.
Shopping here is a Zen-like experience, thanks to a stone pathway, limestone dressing rooms, and denim dangling from wooden trees. Although it’s pricey, fans love the label for its attention to detail, like hand-dyed denim that has been woven on antique looms. The T-shirts are particularly funky. | 169 Mercer St., between W. Houston and Prince Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 917/237–0045 | Subway: R to Prince St.
Reiss.
Think of Reiss as the Banana Republic of Britain—a go-to place for casual-but-tailored clothes at a relatively gentle price. Standouts for women include cowl-neck sweater dresses and A-line skirts. Men’s wool combat trousers are complemented by shrunken blazers, military-inspired peacoats, and trim leather jackets. | 387 West Broadway, between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/925–5707 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.
Sean.
Not to be confused with Sean John, this French-owned shop carries low-key, well-priced, and comfortable menswear imported from Europe. Wool and cotton painter’s coats are best sellers, along with corduroy pants and a respectable collection of suits and dress shirts. | 199 Prince St., between Sullivan and MacDougal Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/598–5980 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.
Seize sur Vingt.
In bringing a contemporary sensibility to custom tailoring, this store realized an ideal fusion. Brighten a suit or cotton moleskin flat-front pants with a checked or striped shirt; all can be made to order. Women are also the beneficiaries of the store’s crisp button-downs and single-pleat trousers. | 78 Greene St., between Spring and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/625–1620 | Subway: R, W to Prince St.
7 for All Mankind.
If Brooks Brothers is the opposite of your clothing personality, head to this hip boutique that specializes in made-to-measure clothing for men and women. Create a button down shirt or a suit from hundreds of fabric options. | 348 West Broadway, between Grand and Broome Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 212/226–8615 | Subway: 1, 2 to Canal St.
Seven New York.
This massive store is a temple to all things denim and in every wash and cut. Want them straight, skinny, boot cut, or pleated? No problem. Not content with dressing just customers’ lower halves, 7 for All Mankind also sells trendy tops, sweaters, and jackets to complete the look. There are also nondenim dresses and trousers. | 110 Mercer St., between Prince and Spring Sts., SoHo | 10012 | 646/654–0156 | Subway: N, R to Prince St.
Topshop.
Americans no longer need to cross the pond to scoop up cheap-chic fashions from British cult favorite Topshop, thanks to the opening of its first stateside boutique. It can be a madhouse, and items sell quickly, but