Lofty Ambitions
Just because I’m a shopaholic doesn’t mean I’m as culturally deprived as you might think. I can appreciate a Matisse just as much as a pair of Manolos. After all, fashion has always imitated art. Or is it the other way around? Whatever the case, with Travessia – a new Lower East Side boutique-cum-gallery space, I no longer need to brave the lines at the recently renovated MoMA to view some real works of art.
The brainchild of Hiroko Rodriguez, who also moonlights as a video artist, Travessia was created as an interactive store designed to stimulate the mind as well as the body. An open and airy industrial loft flooded with sunlight, Travessia is filled with a fusion of avant-garde fashion and art not often found under one roof. Stop by for regularly rotating exhibits from pottery to photography (Hatumi Ori’s visual installation, “I Am Here,” runs until September 2nd) set alongside sculptural silhouettes culled from Europe and Japan. Unbelievably clean and uncluttered, Travessia’s racks are filled with a bevy of underground, hard-to-find brands. Some of the showstoppers include sophisticated silk dresses with bird motifs by Custommade, lightweight tanks and tees by Klasica and ruched print shirts by Margarita Saplala. Picture an equally edgy assortment of accessories ranging from eco-friendly bags fashioned from recycled sail masts (by Seabags), jaw-dropping vintage-inspired jewelry by Klasica (key chains with giant tusks and bizarre insect rings) displayed on antique letterpress trays.
With a revolving selection of designs and décor, Travessia will keep you coming back for more. Who knows… you may even find a painting to perfectly complement that nouveau party dress.
- Travessia
- 176 Stanton Street (between Clinton & Attorney)
- 212-477-7771
- Tues.-Sat. 2-8pm; Sun. 12-6pm. Closed Mondays.
- travessia-nyc.com
- $28-$400
- final sale on all items
Filed: Shop Talk
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