Downtown New York at times seems the crossroads of the world anchored at the intersection of Broadway and Houston Streets and extending out into the neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, SoHo, Nolita, NoHo, the East Village and Lower East Side. I’ve always thought of New York more of a mixing bowl than a melting pot, where all variety of people from around the world converge and mix. Just as the downtown neighborhoods that edge one another vary in subtle ways, the same is reflected in the variety of people and styles edging past each other along city sidewalks. SoHo, in particular, seems to have transformed from an industrial neighborhood to the center of the contemporary art world to a shopping mecca in just the 20 years I have lived in NY. SoHo has always had it’s particular energy. The cast-iron buildings, cobble stone streets and constant hum of activity set the stage for the daily parade of fashionistas, models, hipsters, artists, local residents, shopkeepers and numerous celebrities and designers. He are just a couple we ran across in our travels.
June 29th 2009 @ 2:36 PM SoHo, NYC : Rashedah, a.k.a., “Vintage Girl”
Fashionista, accessories designer, and stylist to the stars, Rasheda describes her style as hippie/funky chic. She is typically dressed in head to toe vintage clothes. Today’s outfit was more of a current fashion trend, which she classified as “techno”, no doubt referring to the ‘80s neon pink shades we saw her wearing on the streets of SoHo. Her shirt was purchased when shopping in Italy, as it reminded her of the patterns by designer Emilio Pucci. The green lizard skin handbag is one of her creations, and completes her summer-in-the-city look with a pair of sandals.
June 30, 2009 @ 2:48 PM Nolita, NYC: Stephen
Steven, a graduate student in the city, was on his way to a concert in Central Park when we stopped to ask about his style. He claims this happens to him frequently in this downtown area where trend spotters scour the streets for the next big thing. But Steven says his style is best described as “cheap and easy”, with Levi’s being one of his favorite brands. Since he says layering is key, he prefers American Apparel for this easy cardigan and t-shirt look. The black leather Converse hi-tops and sunglasses complete his NY look.
- Dawn Bauer and Craig Hayes
For more soho style inspirations, check out the following collections:
