After eight grand collections designed at her namesake boutique on Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue, Sir designer Joanna Baum has opened her third shop in New York. Sir is located in the heart of Williamsburg at 129 Bedford Avenue and is the  designer’s latest exciting venture.

With Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson, Kiera Knightley, and Michelle Williams as regular clientele of Sir, the opening of a Williamsburg boutique near Bedford Avenue promises to enhance the cool. Since the beginning, Sir had gained a glamorous following through word of mouth and a simple retail model alone.

The new boutique will exclusively carry Ms. Joanna’s creations while serving a tightly curated showcase for her constant evolving collection of favorite designers. “I like to whip the sewing machine out in the shop, and let people watch if they are around as I stitch things into shape,” explains Joanna. “It’s something I did in my Brooklyn store originally that I also want to try when time permits.”

Sir’s specialty are its bias-cut silk pieces creating a great fit and a “well-loved feel.” She honed her skills at the world-renowned Rhode Island School of Design. Experimenting with different techniques, she washes her silks by hand (consisting of both chiffon and charmeuse) to give the luxurious pieces a “pretty, but roughed-up look.”

Featured at all Sir locations are this season’s fall dresses, artisian jackets, and an assortment of one-of-a-kind hand-dye Sir signature silk and jersey dresses that are perfect for taking you from the office to a night out in Manhattan.

Sir

129 Bedford Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11211

Tel: 718-384-0700

Email: sirbrooklyn@hotmail.com

Hours: Tu-Sa 1-7:30pm, Su 1-7pm, Mon Closed

all photos courtesy of CoolHunt Inc.

]]> http://momokomashups.com/fame-fashion/putting-the-sir-in-williamsburg/feed/ 0 http://momokomashups.com/trendy-eateries/gastronomic-eats-at-manicomio-gutter-lane/ http://momokomashups.com/trendy-eateries/gastronomic-eats-at-manicomio-gutter-lane/#comments Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:51:27 +0000 Janice Momoko Chow http://momokomashups.wordpress.com/?p=182

Take a stroll down Gutter Lane in London and you will find Chelsea’s Manicomio has opened an offshoot, creating a gastronomic emporium and filling three floors of the striking Sir Norman Foster-designed building. The Italian destination hosts a ground floor café-bar and beautiful terrace open for breakfast along with a custom take-out menu, lunch, and a full bar in the evening. The first floor à la carte restaurant boasts generous leather seats and a comprehensive selection of 100 wines, ranging from £15 – £200 per bottle. And it sure does compliment the fare created by executive chef Tom Salt and his team.

The chef’s philosophy on cooking is simple – based on quality and seasonality of produce and the meat is free range and organic. Italian ingredients include salumi, cheeses, olive oil, and balsamic vinegars are all imported through the renowned Italian importer, Machiavelli™.  From fillet sandwiches and Black Gold beef fillet, the fish are line caught and the food is artisan based to ensure the authentic origins of fresh produce.

Waltz up to the top floor and the Roundhouse Bar offers exquisite dining inspired by the original site’s heritage. The cocktail lounge is supplied with a complete selection of Juleps, tall drinks, and premium Italian wines by the glass, or a bottle of Prosecco–whatever if it suits your mood.

Manicomio
Gutter Lane
London EC2V 7AD

Tel.: 020 7726 5010
gutterlane@manicomio.co.uk

Ralph Lauren’s lavish new three-level hôtel particulier on Avenue Montaigne is so Parisian chic it is easy to forget the American brand’s casual heritage. With almost 6,500 square feet, this is the largest Ralph Lauren store in the world devoted exclusively to women’s wear and the first opening in Paris since Ralph Lauren set up shop on the Place de la Madeleine in 1986.

“Paris has long inspired me for its timeless beauty and rich history. Avenue Montaigne is one of the world’s great shopping streets and the perfect location to showcase our women’s collection,” says Ralph Lauren. The mannequin in the window dressed in sleek black leggings, a soigné blanket plaid blouson and beret pierced with a dramatically long feather are trademark pieces of the store.

The 18th-century building was once the home and atelier of the 1920s couturier Madeleine Vionnet. The design team worked extensively with local artisans for the French limestone floor studded with cabochons, molded plaster detailing, and a sweeping staircase. Original art and crystal chandeliers greet you at the entrance and reinforce the Parisian home feeling.

The store’s ground floor is devoted to accessories, including the “Ricky” bag, which is offered exclusively to order here in 15 shades of crocodile, and the second floor is a showcase for collection pieces including an opulent evening-wear salon.

Ralph Lauren

52 Avenue Montaigne
75008 Paris
33.1.44.77.28.00

Hours
Mon 11-7
Tues-Sat 10-7
Sun Closed

From the owners of Circa Now comes contemporary fashion boutique, Court. Catering to the fun, smart, bold downtown girl and the guy she hangs out with, they are sophisticated and into fashion yet approach it with a sense of humor. Each season Court features a rotating cast of men’s and women’s designers curated with the vintage pieces that inspired the current collections. Favorite designers for the current collection include Grey Ant, Kerrigan, Judi Rosen, BiJules, Bliss Lau, Tashkent, Alice McCall, Society for Rational Dress, Anzevino & Florence, Mellisa Joy, Kova &T, Off Bowery, Dunderdon and Pointer, Mink Pink and LIPS Jeans.

The atmosphere is welcoming, laid-back and the experience is warm and polished. Lots of wood, lacquer, antique furniture and custom design create a sexy and surprisingly cozy interior. The custom wallpaper is by the New York City-based artist, Andrio Abero from Studio 33rpm.

For the holiday season Court will introduce a house brand leather collection including hair accessories, driving gloves, handbags, jackets and shoes. The approachable price range will make you smile with prices starting at $25. Courtshop.com will soon expand to include an online store.

Court
178 Mulberry St
NY, NY 10012
P/212-925-1022
www.courtshop.com
daily 12-8pm