A P T . 19 2 7 MODERN LIFESTYLE
NEW YORK CITY
A P T. 19 2 7
Pratt Communicaitons Design Typograhpy and Information Deisgn Prof. Tom Dolle Spring 2016
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION History of Futura
4-5
NATALIE SUAREZ Interview Favorite Spots
8-13 14-23
CHRISTINA CARADONA Interview
26-31
Favorite Spots
32-41
DANIELLE BERNSTEIN Interview
44-49
Favorite Spots
50-58
BLOGGERS' MODERN LIFESTYLE IN NEW YORK CITY
A P T. 19 2 7
F
U
T
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff G Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Tt Uu F Vv Ww Xx Yy utura is a geometric sans-serif typeface designed in 1927 by Paul Renner. It was designed as a contribution on the New Frankfurt-project. It is based on geometric shapes that became representative of visual elements of the Bauhaus design style of 1919–33. [2][3] It was commissioned as a typeface by the Bauer Type Foundry, in reaction to Ludwig & Mayer's seminal Erbar of 1922. Futura has an appearance of efficiency and forwardness. Although Renner was not associated with the Bauhaus, he shared many of its idioms and believed that a modern typeface should express modern models, rather than be a revival of a previous design. Renner's design rejected the approach of previous sans-serif designs (now often called grotesques), which were based on the models of signpainting, condensed lettering and nineteenth-century serif typefaces, in favour of simple geometric forms: near-perfect circles, triangles and squares. It is based on strokes of near-even weight, which are low in contrast. The lowercase has tall ascenders,
which rise above the cap line, and uses a singlestory 'a' and 'g,' previously more common in handwriting than in printed text. The uppercase characters present proportions similar to those of classical Roman capitals.
The family was originally cast in Light, Medium, Bold, and Bold Oblique fonts in 1928. Light Oblique, Medium Oblique, Demibold, and Demibold Oblique fonts were later released in 1930. Book font was released in 1932. Book Oblique font was released in 1939. Extra Bold font was designed by Edwin W. Shaar in 1952. Extra Bold Italic font was designed in 1955 by Edwin W. Shaar and Tommy Thompson. Matrices for machine composition were made by Intertype.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz Despite its clean geometric appearance, some of Futura's design choices recalled classic serif typefaces. Unlike many sans-serif designs intended for display purposes, Futura has quite a low x-height, reducing its stridency and increasing its suitability for body text. The original Futura design concept included
U
R
Gg Hh Ii Jj Qq Rr Ss Zz
small capitals and old-style figures. These were dropped from the original metal issue of the type and first offered digitally by Neufville Digital under the Futura ND family;[citation needed] small caps are also available in the URW++ digitisation. The design of Futura avoids the decorative, eliminating nonessential elements, but makes subtle departures from pure geometric designs that allow the letterforms to seem balanced.[6] This is visible in the apparently almost perfectly round stroke of the o, which is nonetheless slightly ovoid, and in how the circular strokes of letters like b gently thin as they merge with the verticals.
A
Futura was immediately very successful, due to its combination of classicism and modernity. It spawned a range of derivative geometric sans-serif typefaces from competing foundries, particularly in the United States. In the UK it was overshadowed by Gill Sans, which became popular for similar reasons in the UK and came to define 1930s and 40s printing. While more humanist, it also has geometric leanings which are particularly visible in the capitals.
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy Zz
Renner's original plan was for two versions: a more conventional version suitable for general use, and a more eccentric, geometric lower case based on the circle and triangle. This plan was scrapped, although the characters did appear on an early specimen and more recently on at least one digitisation.
MODERN LIFESTYLE OF
THE EDITOR OF NATALIE OF DUTY
N A T S U
ODELING AND NEW “ MYORK AND THE PEOPLE I SEE ON THE STREET AND LOCAL BANDS – THAT KIND OF INSPIRES EVERYTHING
”
A L I E A R E Z M
odeling since the age of 15, Natalie Suarez has been a notable figure in the fashion industry for years. Based in New York City, she is 1/2 Chinese, 1/4 Spanish, and 1/4 Mexican. With her passion for photography, creative direction, design, music, writing, modeling, and style, NATALIE OFF DUT Y was born in 2009. Completely inspired by the “model off duty” on-the-go lifestyle. Sharing her stories, inspirations, and projects through her own photography and writing. Already noted for her winning fans in Harper’s Bazaar UK, featured editorials in ELLE, and WWD for her “Good Taste.” Along with campaigns and ambassadorships to top fashion and beauty brands from around the world. Some including COACH, DKNY, L’oreal Paris, Saks 5th Avenue, Sunglass Hut, Levis, and Nordstrom. Her eclectic, unique style and aesthetic has launched many successful design collaborations sold in top retailers around the world. Not only does she run a super rad blog, she’s also become one of the “it girls” in the modelling world.
Next to fashion, she is also a big foodie and music fan. Singing along with piano or guitar continue to pop up in her upcoming fashion campaigns. Who is your ultimate New York style icon? Hmm, it's so hard for me to choose! I love the style of girls like Pamela Love - her eclectic way of dressing, and big lioness hair! Oh, and you can never have too many rings. But then again, I'm a huge fan of the style of boys in bands. Tailored, colourful, and a bit messy! Can you talk about your style evolution from your teens until now? How would you describe your style today? My style has definitely evolved over the years, but honestly, didn’t change toooo drastically! Well, I guess as a VERY young teen, I was a total tomboy with a bit too much bra padding! When I was in high school, I grew to know my style a lot more and dissed the “I want to be grown up” awkward look. I was already channeling “model off duty” my favorite style haha! I wore a lot of skinny jeans, a lot of vintage button-downs, and vintage wool coats. I
DEFINITELY A DOWNTOWN “ I'M GIRL! IT'S GOT A BIT MORE GRIT AND, OF COURSE, STILL HAS SO MUCH CHARM AND BEAUTY
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shopped mostly at Estate Sales and scoured for incredibly inexpensive designer vintage early in the AM on the weekends. Super minimalistic. Oh, and I loved blazers and wool colorful cardigans, which is extra weird for a teen. Then again, I was still All-American. I wore tons of denim. Denim jackets, plaid, and shorts and mini skirts. I’m a true California girl and so I stuck with my basics, and grew a bit more edgy as I got older. But I think overtime my style has become more daring and eclectic. Now I’m all about the leather jackets, and interesting detailed dresses, and statement accessories.
And of course, I own more boots now than ever before. I went from combat boots as a teen, to more sleeker, pointed toe shoes. I guess my style became a bit crazier yet still a bit more puttogether! It’s got that bohemian element, but I try to be a bit more sophisticated! What's your favorite art gallery? I love, love the Hole right on Bowery. I walk by it nearly everyday and I stare into the windows. Plus, they also throw great parties and they always feature great, young and emerging artists. Who serves the best cocktails in town? WILFIE & NELL in the West Village has amazing cocktails. Plus, it's such a cosy little place. The bartenders can make anything you want. You are also a big foodie. Could you tell us what your goto restaurant in NYC is at this moment? Yesss, I love food and trying new restaurants mostly because my mother was an incredible cook. My mother is Chinese (from Malaysia) and my Dad is Spanish (from Los Angeles).
NATALIE SUAREZ 11
“ YAENS DS S ,T RI YL OI NV GE FNOEOWD R ES TAU R A N T S M O S T LY BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS AN INCREDIBLE COOK.
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She’d cook us meals at home ranging from spicy curry laksa soup to shredded chicken mole. Vietnamese and Chinese are my favorites! Plus, they have the best Bubble Tea, ever. The real hidden gem of Chinatown, though, is NYONYA on Grand. It’s truly authentic Malaysian food that reminds me of what we’d eat at home in my mom’s house. Currys, soups, and noodles! I live for spice." Another go-to NYC restaurant at the moment would have to be BALADE. It’s in the East Village, and it’s Mediterranean…a food I didn’t really grow up with, but my boyfriend’s got me hooked to it.
NATALIE SUAREZ 13
NATALIE SUAREZ'S FAVORITE SPOTS IN NEW YORK
THE HOLE NYC
A CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY IN NEW YORK CITY REPRESENTING EMERGING ARTISTS RUN BY KATHY GRAYSON
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ole is a contemporary art gallery in New York City representing emerging artists run by Kathy Grayson, a curator and writer as well as a former director at Deitch Projects. Grayson has put together numerous exhibitions both at Deitch and at galleries and museums around the world while also making books, essays, performances and interdisciplinary art activities. “Filling a hole in the downtown community” is our goal. In our 4000 sq. ft. Bowery space, we present monthly solo and group exhibitions– often two separate exhibitions simultaneously– including artists from emerging to established in our thematic shows. In between exhibitions, we host events and special projects that cater to other emerging and creative industries, and compliments our philosophy of collaboration across the arts. 312 Bowery, New York, NY 10012 212-466-1100
NATALIE SUAREZ 17
WILFIE & NELL 228 W4th St, New York, NY 10014 212-242-2990
A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE BAR IN THE WEST VILLAGE, THAT PRIDES ITSELF IN SERVING GOOD DRINKS & LOCALLY
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ere were shepherd’s pies and meat pies. Here were fries with malt vinegar. And here were Scotch eggs, which in case you didn’t know are hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage, then breaded and deepfried—or what Ricky Gervais calls “a delicious and nutritious path to cardiac arrest.” In short, here was standard-issue pub grub. Closer inspection revealed things like chicken-liver pâté with onion jam (delicious), Berkshirepork sliders (delectable), and corned-beef sandwiches with Swiss Gruyère (drool-inducing). Furthermore, Wilfie & Nell, the fine print read, would like to thank the following purveyors:
Blue Ribbon Bakery, Murray’s Cheese Shop, Piccinini Brothers (meats), and Bob McClure (pickles). Clearly, something was up, and when interrogated by the U.G., Wilfie & Nell coowner Mark Gibson came clean: As a favor, his friend Joaquin Baca (of Momofuku and Rusty Knot fame) had put together the menu. That everything on it, from the bacony splitpea soup to the bacony arugula salad, exceeds expectations, speaks not only to the fact that Baca is a good bacon-loving friend to have but that he also did a great job demonstrating to the kitchen crew how to execute the dishes.
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ne of Manhattan's few Malaysian restaurants, Nyonya is a boon for diners looking for something more adventurous than the Vietnamese and Thai influences that dominate most of the city's South Asian fare. You may recognize roti canai (Malaysia's popular crispy pancakes), but dishes like fried baby oysters and achat (a Malaysian vegetable pickled in spicy turmeric powder with sesame seeds and peanut) will challenge even the most sophisticated palates. And that's just the appetizers. Entrée standouts include Malaysian spare ribs, mango shrimp (sautéed with shredded mango), and endless variations on noodle soups and casseroles. Note, however, that Nyonya offers little for vegetarians: Five of the ten so-called "vegetable" dishes contain fish, and the flesh-phobic may be alarmed by the high number of entrées featuring fish heads and frogs' legs. Nor is this the best option for a quiet meal—the wood-paneled, tiki-hut-like dining room is constantly bustling. But that's also what makes Nyonya a great choice for a quick yet memorable dinner before a show at nearby Bowery Ballroom. Bring your posse, as the menu is made for sampling. 199 Grand St, New York, NY 10013 212-334-3669
20 NATALIE SUAREZ
NYONYA
A MALAYSIAN CHINESE GOURMET JOINT IN NORTHERN CHINATOWN
BALADE 208 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009 212-529-6868
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n Authentic Lebanese Restaurant in New York City. Located in the East Village, this restaurant is more than just dining. Balade is an experience. Enjoy the best in traditional Lebanese cuisine in an atmosphere true to the Lebanese culture. From the exceptional service, decor and secret ingredients of timeless recipes, Balade blends modern design with originality straight from Lebanon. Old country feel in Arabesque tile walls, complemented by New York exposed brick, imported water pitchers and wood art. The nature of Balade's home cooked food is one
that comes from the heart. They hand select our ingredients to be able to bring you the best tasting flavors from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Chef wants to satisfy your diverse palette by creating a wide range of dishes, for both vegetarians and for those who love the traditional meat and fish. They are proud to say that they are here to stay! In the past couple of years we have established a reputation among the locals. If you are looking to have some down time and be treated with courtesy and respect while enjoying a great meal than Balade is what you have been looking for.
ONE OF THE 5 BEST LEBANESE RESTAURANTS IN NYC
NATALIE SUAREZ 23
MODERN LIFESTYLE OF
THE EDITOR OF TROP ROUGE
CHRIS C A R A
PLAYING AROUND “ IWLOVE ITH DIFFERENT ERAS AND THEMES. IT CHANGES CONSTANTLY, BUT ALWAYS HAS MY SIGNATURE TOUCH
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T I N E DONA
C
hristina Caradona is the voice and beauty behind the blog TROP ROUGE. She is also a model and actressborn in New York and raised in Biarritz, France. Born into a world of fashion, Christina Caradona shows off her personality with her quirky street style looks fluttering around New York. Her edgy, effortless style with a dash of humor has gained her a cult following around the world. Do you have any style icons? If so, who are they? Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, of course. I Love the way the Olsen twins are grungy but high end. Lenny Kravitz’ style is great. I like his vibe he always looks so carefree. Also, Charlotte Gainsbourg, she is so tomboyish but polished at the same time. How would you describe your style? I would say it’s pretty alternative I love playing around with different eras and themes. It changes constantly, but always has my signature touch, which would be Mod inspired pieces as
well as edgier pieces like leather. I love mixing rocker chic with 60s mod. They’re two very different eras, but I think it works for me. You travel back to France quite often. Would you say there is a European sensibility to your style? Yes, I love European style. I think European style comes from somewhere different than American, it’s just a lot more effortless. In Biarritz where I am from, the boys dress, like greasers with rolled up blue jeans and cigarettes in their shirts. The girls wear espadrille and Capri pants. It’s not about what’s trending, they have a timeless style you associate with that part of the world. I love the tradition to the clothes. Their style is authentic. I try and keep it real and authentic by having classic, timeless pieces that I can always go back to.
CHRISTINA CARADONA 29
ALWAYS LOVED FASHION, “ IEVEN IF I WAS A LITTLE BIT OF A TOMBOY GROWING UP AND MASCARA WAS A BIG DEAL
”
You now live in New York City. Would you say that living there has changed your style at all? NY definitely influences my style. I do a lot more vintage shopping and have started wearing a lot more black, which I feel is so NY. NY is an electric city, so I find that my style is less laid back and less beachwear than it used to be. It’s gotten more polished. How’d you get into fashion? My mother was a professional model for many years which is the main reason we left for France..and also because my parents are crazy and love to travel, very “pick up and explore”. I started modeling when I was 15 and loved it! My 1st shoot was for a French surfing magazine called “Girl Power” I did a 5 page spread it was exciting! I always loved fashion, even if I was a little bit of a tomboy growing up and mascara was a BIG DEAL for me when going out I only started wearing make up 3 years ago. What else do you enjoy besides fashion? I love spending time with my family and friends. I love pool parties or anything with the
word “Party” involved haha. One of my favorite things to do is watching netflix and surrounding myself with candy. You say you love thrifting in New York, what are some of your favorite spots to scour and shop? HOUSING WORKS at 90th at 2nd. There is also this amazing place near where my parents live in Long Island. It’s a historical site and every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm they sell antiques and old clothing. I used to make the owners cookies and bring them over and shop. I think they might have closed down though, which is really sad. Also, there is this amazing little place near Bank Street where I’ve found some really great designer gems. I can’t seem to find it again and I’m starting to think it was a dream. What are some of your favorite restaurants in New York? I really love hanging at the LAFAYETTE HOUSE, CAFE GITANE and MERMAID INN in New York.
CHRISTINA CARADONA'S FAVORITE SPOTS IN NEW YORK
A NONPROFIT THRIFT SHOP IN DOWNTOWN NYC
HOUSING WORKS
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ousing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV or AIDS. Their mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts. Housing Works pioneered the concept of social enterprise–businesses whose profits fund the mission of a parent notfor-profit organization. This self-sustaining model provides employment opportunities to the community in addition to fundraising. Their acclaimed Housing Works Thrift Shops, Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and The Works Catering account for approximately 25% of our $43 million annual operating budget. Housing Works Thrift Shops are in 12 locations in NYC and Brooklyn, selling donated designer, vintage and contemporary fashion, furniture, art and collectibles to fashionable bargain hunters. They accept your good quality donations during shop hours and offer free pickup for qualifying furniture donations too. 100% of shop proceeds fund our fight to end AIDS and homelessness. Learn more about our mission and our donation parameters on our website. 2569 Broadway, New York, NY 10025 212-222-3550
CHRISTINA CARADONA 35
LAFAYETTE
A FRENCH GRAND CAFÉ AND BAKERY FROM CHEF ANDREW
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afayette is an everyday grand café and bakery in ceremony of French cooking at the corner of Lafayette Street and Great Jones Street in downtown Manhattan. The market-driven bistro menu is a worldly homage to the genre that spans a variety of regions, from Provence to Normandy to neighboring Mediterranean coasts, offering a re-mastery of traditional dishes we love and some signatures. Chef Andrew Carmellini is joined by Pâtissière Jen Yee, a Food & Wine Best New Pastry Chef, and Boulanger James Belisle in the kitchen. Our beverage team offers a list of vin de campagne, cocktails, apéritifs and craft beers. The main dining room, bakery and two private dining suites are housed inside an iconic landmark NoHo building originally designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh. Designed by Roman and Williams, the interiors are a cinematic landscape rooted in traditional brasserie style with new and natural touches like mahogany floors, spontaneous murals, towering arched windows overlooking the street and honey and blue-tiled columns that define intimate spaces. Our rotisserie counter is displayed right at entry, and the bakery stays open late for perusing après dinner. 380 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003 212-533-3000
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CAFE GITANE 242 Mott St, New York, NY 10012 113 Jane St, New York, NY 10014
212-533-3000 212-255-4143
A CAFÉ IS WELL NOTED TO HAVE EXCELLENT MENU OPTIONS INCLUDING FRENCH AND MOROCCAN CUISINE
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afe Gitane is the epitome of the "it" downtown cafe - a quintessential Nolita eatery and place to See And Be Seen that so many places try (and fail) to replicate. The food is actually pretty good. Dinner can be underwhelming, but brunch is solid, and the prices aren't as bad as you might expect. But Cafe Gitane isn't for everyone. The place is tiny, and staring down a bunch of really hot people while you cram your fat ass into a little chair isn't always awesome. You are also pretty much guaranteed to face long waits, but during the summer it's a great warm weather dining destination, and can be worth hanging around for a table on the street or near one of the big windows. Especially if you're looking to drink some coffee and watch the action go by. Gitane is all about sipping a glass of Bordeaux or shot of espresso while sitting at one of the sidewalk tables and ogling the fashionista traffic.
CHRISTINA CARADONA 39
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ew York’s favorite fish house serves up classic seafood specialties in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Danny Abrams’ flagship Mermaid Inn, dubbed an inexpensive version of Le Bernardin by New York Magazine -- features a cozy, secluded garden in back, sidewalk café in the front and a dining room that’s always buzzing. The cuisine and the décor are sure to bring back your favorite memories of New England. Belly up to the bar and wash down some ice cold oysters with expertly crafted cocktails, or drop by between 5:30 – 7:00pm for Happy Hour & a Half - dollar oysters, drink specials, and a snack menu in the entire restaurant. And if you love wine, The Mermaid’s well selected wine list means you’ll find some gems and splurges that won’t break the bank. 96 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 212-674-5870 570 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024 212-799-7400
40 CHRISTINA CARADONA
ONE OF SEAFOOD MAINSTAYS IN NYC
MERMAID INN
MODERN LIFESTYLE OF
THE EDITOR OF WE WORE WHAT
D A N I B E R N
23, AND I DEFINITELY “ I’M SHOW THAT I GO OUT, AND I’M, LIKE, NORMAL. I SHOW PICTURES OF MY BOYFRIEND SOMETIMES
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E L L E S T E I N
D
anielle Bernstein, the founder and blogger behind the blog WE WORE WHAT, is one of the most influential people in the fashion blogosphere these days. The 23-year-old F.I.T. grad, who’s got over a million Instagram followers and top-notch collaborations under her belt, gives us her tips for aspiring bloggers and the scoop on her career. She’s collaborated with Topshop and the Vintage Twin and earlier this year passed the 1 million follower mark on Instagram. Through it all, she exudes a casual sort of Soho chic that’s approachable but hard to replicate; while it may not have been her you saw stepping off the L train, it’s likely a gal who’s inspired by her. What inspired you to start the blog? WE WORE WHAT started when I transferred to FIT and noticed all the great street style around campus. I bought my first professional camera and started photographing the fashion students, linking to what they were wearing. WE WORE WHAT represents “we” as in the
young fashion goers of NYC, and what we are wearing. I was soon invited to photograph street style at New York Fashion Week, where I myself was photographed by many other notable photographers. After fashion week, I noticed that my personal style was really resonating with my readers, which is when I decided to change my blog to focus more on my style and adventures throughout the city. What distinguishes New York City style? Uptown vs. Downtown? East Side vs. West Side? That’s the thing about New York City style—everywhere you go, every corner of this city brings something completely different. From the uptown socialites decked in tweed and kitten heels to the downtown villagers in leather and beanies. What’s your number one most-read blog post? I haven’t checked this in a while, but I would assume the recent article that started as a Harper’s Bazaar interview and then my follow up in a blog post has gained a lot of traction.
NEVER LIVE IN L.A. “ IOCOULD R C H I C AG O, I N E ED T H E CRAZINESS AND THE HUSTLE IN NEW YORK TO GET ME GOING.
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What is the best fashion advice you have ever received? I will never forget this quote I heard by the one and only Diane von Furstenberg. She said, “The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.” For some reason this quote has always stuck with me through life and my fashion adventures. I truly believe that if you are happy with yourself, it’ll show. This goes for fashion too—the way you look reflects the confidence with which you carry yourself. Can you share some of your favorite spots in NYC with us? I like to go to JACK’S WIFE FREDA. It like a second home of mine. I’m very good friends with the owners, and I can bring my dog there. The style there is awesome. HAPPY ENDING is one of my favorite places to go out too. I start upstairs to have drinks and then go downstairs a little later when it has more of a club vibe. It has this cool, Lower East Side tropical feeling to it. It has great cocktails, but I drink straight vodka or wine to avoid the headache factor. It has a great wine selection! REFORMATION is one of my favorites, an eco-friendly design store. When I first moved into the city, I worked there, and I’ve always been a huge fan. They’re a really awesome, young, cool brand. AMERICAN TWO SHOT is a boutique concept store that my friend started that has really amazing finds. It does have its own line now, but most of what it has comes from other designers, and it sells lots of products that you’re not going to find in a run-of-the-mill department store.
DANIELLE BERNSTEIN'S FAVORITE SPOTS IN NEW YORK
JACK’S WIFE FREDA 50 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014 646-669-9888
A LIVELY ALL-DAY NYC BISTRO EXECUTING AMERICAN-MEDITERRANEAN COOKING & CLASSIC COCKTAILS IN UNDERSTATED DIGS
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ack’s Wife Freda sounds like a character in a Barry Levinson film or maybe a Bernard Malamud novel. Instead, it’s a spiffy new Soho café, where the husbandand-wife owners have drawn on their New York restaurant backgrounds and their family histories to bring appealing new flavor to an urban archetype. Before they met while working at Balthazar, Dean Jankelowitz and his future wife, Maya, emigrated from South Africa and Israel, respectively. Together, they’ve created a hospitable hangout with the understated style and savvy all-day service that one associates with their old boss, Keith McNally, only infused with
their warm, welcoming personalities and foods that remind them of home. The combination has already proved something of a hit, if rollicking brunch and late-night crowds are any indication. The clientele, young and stylish almost to a fault, seem to have fallen off the runway from some downtown fashion show and straight into the cozy café’s leather banquettes. To witness these lissome waifs and Greek gods with their high-octane metabolisms pack it awaywas almost enough to put the Underground Gourmet off our feed. The food at Jack’s Wife Freda is homey, delicious, and wonderfully satisfying.
DANIELLE BERNSTEIN 53
HAPPY ENDING 302 Broome St, New York, NY 10002 646-998-3184
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or downtown New Yorkers in a specific scene, the name of this place is more than massage-parlor slang. During the mid-aughts, Happy Ending was a Lower East Side nightspot that specialized in sloppy, Tao Lin fever dreams of emaciated 20-somethings mugging for party flicks. It closed in 2013, well after its popularity petered out. In late November, the two-level space reopened with the same name and address but revamped, by Teddy Perweiler, Oliver Stumm (Cafe Select) and Max Levai (of the Marlborough Chelsea gallery) as a restaurant, bar and club. Still, they’re not looking to exorcise the house-of-illrepute feeling entirely. Happy Ending remains on a grubby, Chinatownaccented block near Sara D. Roosevelt Park. The restaurant and bar (61 seats) are warm and vaguely psychedelic Danish modern. “We made a list of what we didn’t want,” Mr. Perweiler said, including exposed brick and raw beams. Instead, with the Carlyle hotel’s bar as inspiration, there’s a working piano, leather banquettes and art by Tony Matelli and Andrew Kuo. Downstairs is your swinger uncle’s sleazy rumpus room, with fuzzy furniture, a checkerboard floor and disco ball.
A BISTRO, OUTFITTED IN RETRO FURNISHINGS, SERVING CLASSIC COCKTAILS AND FOOD FROM FRANCIS GABARRUS
DANIELLE BERNSTEIN 55
AMERICAN TWO SHOT 135 Grand Street, NY 10013 212-925-3403
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n airy boutique-slash-gallery-slashclubhouse straddling the border of SoHo and Chinatown in New York, American Two Shot is a Venn diagram of fashion, art, entertainment, and some very strong coffee. At the center is the “City of Friends,” a casual ATS-curated collective of young creators who orbit and collaborate with the shop. The store is a Russian doll of retail: inside the boutique is an art gallery; inside the art gallery is a coffee bar. Said bar – formally known as Café Integral – is owned by César Vega, a photographer with a passion for Nicaraguan coffee who previously delivered beans across New York on a bicycle.
American Two Shot’s spirit is playful and knowing, clever without being pretentious. The shop is rife with sly cultural references (a recent display of elegant maxidresses was labeled “Insane Gown Posse”), and the racks showcase local designers alongside quirky vintage finds. The employees are chatty and welcoming, effervescent without being pushy. With Drake and Stankonia-era Outkast on the stereo, the smell of freshly ground coffee floating over some colorful, killer pieces, and a revolving roster of friends popping in to say hi, it’s a struggle not to kick up your feet and stay for a while.
AN ECLECTIC SPACE FOR ECLECTIC TASTES
A SHOP FOR ECO-FRIENDLY DRESSES, TOPS, BOTTOMS, JUMPERS, OUTERWEAR & OUR NEW WEDDING COLLECTION
REFORMATION 156 Ludlow St, NY 10002 646-448-4925
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eformation is successfully tackling two worlds unlike anyone else: Irresistibly on-point clothes and an ecological crusade. The Los Angeles-based brand sources vintage and overstock fabric for their minimalist-sexy pieces, sold in their New York and LA stores (which more locations on the way) and their website, which got a shiny reboot earlier this year.
The openness of the physical space mirrors the transparent office culture, where pattern makers work paces from stylists, and company financials are displayed in plain sight. An in-office swing, puppies-welcome policy, and the requisite startup ping pong table are among the perks for this hardworking team. After the jump, check out what the crew wears to work, how they feel about #freethenipple, and why they believe so passionately in their mission.
From concept to production, all things Ref are housed under the same roof in Downtown LA, mecca of domestic apparel manufacturing. DANIELLE BERNSTEIN 55
BIOLIGRAPHY Futura (typeface) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futura_(typeface) Natalie Off Duty http://natalieoffduty.com/about/ New York City Guide: Natalie Suarez http://www.harrods.com/content/the-store/news-events/2014/february/new-york-city-guide-natalie-suarez 5 Questions With: Natalie Suarez of NATALIE OFF DUTY http://melsays.com/5-questions-with-natalie-suarez-of-natalie-off-duty/ The Hole NYC http://theholenyc.com/about/ New York Restaurant: Wilfie & Nell http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/wilfie-nell/ New York Restaurant: Nyonya http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/nyonya03/ Balade http://www.baladerestaurants.com/#about Interview with Christina Caradona a.k.a. Trop Rouge (New York) http://denim-dossier.com/2012/06/27/interview-with-christina-caradona-a-k-a-trop-rouge-new-york/ Housing Works https://www.housingworks.org/about/mission/ Lafayette Grand CafĂŠ & Bakery http://lafayetteny.com/ Review: Cafe Gitane http://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/cafe-gitane The Mermaid Inn East Village http://www.opentable.com/the-mermaid-inn-east-village?page=24 Blogger Spotlight! Danielle Bernstein of WeWoreWhat http://fashionweekdaily.com/blogger-spotlight-danielle-bernstein-of-weworewhat/ New York Restaurant: Jack's Wife Freda http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/jacks-wife-freda/ Happy Ending Reopens on the Lower East Side http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/18/style/happy-ending-reopens-on-the-lower-east-side.html?_r=0 American Two Shot: Art, Clothes, & Coffee http://storyboard.tumblr.com/post/35634746407/american-two-shot-art-clothes-coffee-an-airy What the Reformation Team Wears to Work http://www.racked.com/2014/6/17/7592243/the-reformation-office-style
I-HSUAN LEE