Anna Sui
Address: 113 Greene Street (between Prince & Spring)
Phone: 212-941-8406
Website: www.annasui.com
These are fun and funky fashions with a silky, shimmering flair. The Bohemian and care-free clothing style is mirrored in a small line of cosmetics and custom jewelry. Simple but flowing silk chiffons in subdued palettes keep customers coming back for more.
Boffi SoHo
Address: 31 1/2 Greene Street (at Grand Street)
Phone: 212-431-8282
Website: www.boffi-soho.com
This is the showroom for the extraordinary kitchens created by Milan-based Boffi. These cutting-edge counters and cabinets almost define the modern sensibility of kitchen cabinetry. The materials combine mixed woods, glass and metals for a look that verges on sterile, but remains visually impactful.
Bond #9
Address: 9 Bond Street (between Broadway & Lafayette)
Phone: 212-228-1732
Website: www.bondno9.com
Since 1760, Creed & Bond has been making exquisite custom perfumes. Past clients have included Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Natalie Wood. The #9 line is a newer offshoot of the main brand. Each of their 16 featured fragrances is named after a specific area of New York.
Part of New York's culinary scene for decades, this huge, no-frills store carries all sorts of cookware, pans and supplies for both the professional and passionate hobbyist. Featuring an extensive selection, great prices and a knowledgeable staff, they also offer regular cooking demonstrations. Be forewarned, this place gets mobbed close to the holidays.
Canal Hi-Fi
Address: 319 Canal Street (between Broadway & Church Street)
Phone: 212-925-6575
Website: canalhifi.com
Since 1977, this store has been offering customers an extensive selection of big-brand audio and video electronics. It's somewhat labyrinthine, but among the digital rubble, you are likely to discover the perfect piece of gear at an unbelievably low price.
Perhaps best known for their bridal registry, they are known for their fresh and modern household goods. Well designed, modern glassware, utensils, linens and appliances, their items are noted for being as stylish as they are practical.
De La Espada
Address: 33 Greene Street (at Grand Street)
Phone: 212-625-1039
Website: delaespada.com
This is the showroom for the unique Spanish line of well-crafted, warm, Modernist furniture. The emphasis is on items that highlight use of mixed natural woods. They have a nice line of versatile indoor/outdoor pieces.
Duncan Quinn
Address: 8 Spring Street (Broadway)
Phone: 212-226-7030
Website: www.duncanquinn.com
Quinn is another one of those quirky Brit designers who has created a name for himself by combining traditional and ultra-mod style. The result is a clothing line that offers classic styling with a street wear thrust. Their items are great either solo or paired up. Come in and they'll get you hipstered out faster than you can say "Camden Square."
Jack Spade
Address: 56 Greene Street (between Broome & Spring)
Phone: 212-625-1820
Website: www.jackspade.com
Simple, understated quality leather goods for guys, the emphasis is on practicality as well as style. Hubby of the illustrious Kate Spade, who revolutionized the woman's tote, this store is chock full of fabulous posters, props and movie memorabilia making it a blast from the past.
Karikter NYC
Address: 19 Prince Street (Mott Street)
Phone: 212-274-1966
Website: karikternyc.com/
Yes, that's how you spell it. This fascinating little store carries gift items for children of all ages. With a distinctly European bent, a number of their items are based on popular Continental cartoon characters such as Tintin. They also feature a selection of small designer items by Philippe Starck and Alessi.
Kartell offers an interesting line of custom-crafted furniture boasting a contemporary, modern feel. Many of their items are designed by Philippe Starck and Ron Arad. They are particularly renowned for their unusual selection of chairs and storage units.
Knoll
Address: 105 Wooster Street (between Prince & Spring)
Phone: 212-343-4000
Website: www.knoll.com
Knoll manufactures reproductions of some of the most famous modern furniture designs ever made. In fact, they originally commissioned work from artists like Noguchi, Saarinen and Bertoia. With museum quality adherence to custom craftsmanship, they continue to offer items you could not find anywhere else, except maybe the Museum of Modern Art.
Louis Vuitton
Address: 116 Greene Street (between Prince & Spring)
Phone: 212-274-9090
Website: vuitton.com
These famous logo bags and luggage remain in coveted demand. Since the days of sailing the Queen Mary was in vogue, Louis Vuitton has been making a full line of leather goods from the obvious to shoes, belts, wallets and other accessories.
This popular SoHo store is the showroom for the latest fashion lines from this noted designer. The expansive loft-like space is the perfect setting to showcase the bold, fresh looks. They also offer a wildly popular selection of colorful shoes and bags.
Michael Anchin Glass
Address: 245 Elizabeth Street (between Houston & Prince Street)
Phone: 212-925-1470
Website: www.michaelanchin.com
This small gallery is filled with amazing pieces of glasswork. Anchin's items tend be quite colorful, unusual and suited for a variety of interior décor styles. Always one of a kind, these hand-blown works of art make wonderful gifts or home additions.
Moss
Address: 146 Greene Street (between Houston & Prince)
Phone: 212-204-7100
Website: www.mossonline.com
Murray Moss has established himself as one of the most unerring modern designers in the country. A shrine to innovative furniture, artistic household gear and interior accents, his items are museum worthy. Whether you're here for the Droog lights, the Moser crystal or just to look around, Moss is always a treat.
This is luxury bedding for those who prefer something a bit out of the ordinary. Nancy Koltes offers 600-thread-count bedding from Italy along with table cloths, decorative pillows and other linen accessories. They also carry a renowned line of down comforters.
Nom de Guerre
Address: 640 Broadway (at Bleecker)
Phone: 212-253-2707
Website: www.nomdeguerre.net
Shhh. Don't tell anyone about this store. It's a secret. There's no sign outside and the only way in is to descend the stairs below the Swatch store. Inside you will find hipster heaven with the latest in high-end denim, sneakers and t-shirts. The youthful easy-going staff makes shopping here relaxed and surprisingly sans attitude.
Pearl Paint
Address: 308 Canal Street (between Broadway & Church Street)
Phone: 212-431-7932
Website: www.pearlpaint.com
A home away from home for New York artists for decades, this place has absolutely every single supply you could possibly want or imagine. In fact, even if you're not an artist, you're likely to find something of interest here. From photo albums and portfolios to wooden mannequins and hobby supplies, it's a fun place to shop for creative groovy stuff.
Poltrona Frau
Address: 145 Wooster (between Houston & Prince)
Phone: 212-777-7592
Website: www.poltronafrau.com
This Italian furniture manufacturer has been around for over 90 years creating clean, classic designs upholstered in supple leather. They also offer a complete line of seating specifically designed for home theaters.
Polux Fleuriste
Address: 248 Mott Street (between Houston & Prince)
Phone: 212-219-9646
Flowers with a Parisian slant, their arrangements boast unique accents like sprinkles of wild grain, bristles and bows of reed. If you are looking for flowers that are well out of the ordinary, this is the place to go. A bouquet from here is always guaranteed to impress.