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Neighborhood Profile: NoLIta a hidden gem in downtown new york
Jay Kos. All photos by Abena Gyebi.
by abena gyebi
W
ander around downtown Manhattan long enough and you are bound to run into a quiet nook of a neighborhood that is home to dozens of fashion designers and fine craftsmen. NoLIta—North of Little Italy—is a tiny cache that offers an interesting contrast to Scotch and Soda The its more bustling surroundings. It shares SoHo’s coveted real estate, Chinatown’s indie shops, LES’ speakeasy allure, and Little Italy’s culinary renown without their less desirable attributes. It is, in short, the epitome of downtown chic. Emerging as a gentrified gem from a once grungy no-man’sland, NoLIta’s streets have been lined with cafés, shops and yachtowning inhabitants since the late 1990s. Some celebrity residents have included Martin Scorsese during his boyhood, su- The Clothing Warehouse permodel Iman and her rocker husband David Bowie, and Tory Burch, whose fashion career was launched there. Nevertheless, NoLIta has had its share of ups and downs over the
years. The currently unstable economy is reflected in the “For Rent” signs visible on every block. Shopkeepers seem to agree on ways to curb costs by downsizing square footage and offering unique pieces at “the-rent-is-toodamn-high” prices. Boutiques tend to carry products with tremendous sartorial, aesthetic and trendsetting value. Because they carry minimally produced or one-ofa-kind pieces, these boutiques are the perfect destination for fashionistas who do not want to land in “Who Wore It Better?” tabloid polls. These unique wares include Jay Kos, eccentric staples for men with tailored tastes and bulging wallets, and Velita, the source for edgy, feminine separates that never go out of style. Clientele who prefer more casual attire can shop Amsterdam Couture by Scotch and Soda or vintage classic tees at The Clothing Warehouse.
like Lady Gaga and Sarah Jessica Parker. Beyond apparel, NoLIta offers culinary, cultural and architectural appeal matching that of its downtown neighbors. It is home to the Feast of San Gennaro on Mulberry Street, an annual festival that takes Italian street fare to a new level. Locals also enjoy Ceci Cela patisserie for its award-winning croissants, while Gitane’s Moroccaninfluenced cuisine keeps the sidewalk café packed. Lombardi’s, America’s first pizzeria, always has a line of patrons wrapped around the corner. Peacefully settled in the center of it all are the open doors of the recently renovated Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The landmark Puck Building ballroom marks the northwest border of NoLIta on Houston and Lafayette Streets, while the Storefront for Art and Architecture marks its southernmost border on Kenmare Street. Whether you are looking to buy vintage wares or people-watch at a café, trek downtown to NoLIta and you will not be left wanting. Dinosaur Designs
Some chain stores do exist, but their pieces are far from mainstream. Dinosaur Designs, an Aussie innovator, carries jewelry and housewares that resemble polished props from “The Flintstones,” while Resurrection Vintage holds a treasure trove of garments previously owned by stars
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