Destination Denim: NYC

So, over the next few of weeks, we’re going to be covering a few hot spots on the map—major cities and major denim shopping spots alike–with a new mini series on the DenimBlog called “Destination Denim”. Suggestions or places that you’d like targeted?  Just let us know and we’ll hit ‘em up for you!

First up…the most obvious choice…the Big Apple! Here are some of my favorite shopping spots for denim in New York City:

1. The Earnest Sewn Co.

821 Washington Street, New York, NY 10079

www.earnestsewn.com

Welcome to the world of The Earnest Sewn Company. The store itself, located in Manhattan’s meatpacking district, is not only a super trendy place to land on a Saturday afternoon, but is definitely a piece architectural eye candy too. Packed with rolls of hand picked fabrics, Earnest Sewn denim is custom made right there in the 2,500 square foot facility. Whether you’re searching for raw, selvedge, a classic boot cut, or for children’s or men’s, the Earnest Sewn Flagship has quickly become one of the most heralded denim destinations around for, well, everything. So do yourself a favor and stop into Keith McNally’s Pastis on 9th, have a Quiche Lorraine with your best pal, and then gear up for a couple of went spent hours indoors on Washington Street. However, don’t forget to bring that check book along…because no one said that these jeans would be cheap!

2. Jean Shop

424 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012

www.worldjeanshop.com

Four years ago Eric Goldstein, along with partners Barry Perlman and Gene Montesano, created Jean Shop—a revolutionary thought process on denim at the time—stemming from the finest Japanese and Selvedge traditions. Sources from Louis Vuitton and GQ magazine have already called the shop one of the best stores in Manhattan, and their loyal clientele includes a growing number of celebrities, such as singer Bryan Adams. With all of their denim processed right on the premises, Jean Shop is the perfect place to look for dry denim, or for that classic one-wash you are craving. If you want something a little bit off the beaten path—something made to order perhaps—Jean Shop’s got that covered too. The design consultants at Goldstein’s place will work with you one-on-one to get that ideal look, but if you are not in New York, don’t fret. They do phone consults too! Check them out on the web or if you live in the area, just pop in.

P.S. They’ve got tons of awesome vintage pieces too, including boots, leather and denim jackets.

3. OAK

208 North 8^th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

www.oaknyc.com

So really, Oak is not only one of the best stops around for denim, but just all around one of the best stops in town, period. With over 60 brands for women and 50 for men, and at least a quarter of those devoted solely to denim, Oak is a powerhouse—to say the least. Not only do they have their own pretty extraordinary line (a collection of denim, footwear and jewelry), but they also carry iconic collections from Helmut Lang and Comme des Garcons as well as edgier designers too (like the remarkable duo of Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai that is Vena Cava, Alexander Wang and ACNE). And, lucky for you, in you live in Manhattan, not Williamsburg, they’ve got a location there also—right on Elizabeth Street in the heart of Nolita. And, even luckier for you, if you don’t live anywhere near New York City, they’ve got you hooked up with ecommerce as well. Log on, check out their ridiculously cool editorials (November 2008 dubbed “Oakalypto”…yeah…I know…), browse their buyers’ genius picks and then return to denimblog.com and tell us what you think!

4. Blue in Green

8 Greene Street, New York, NY 10013

www.blueingreensoho.com

Men! Pay attention! You are always asking us to give you a better place to shop, a better place to find your perfect jeans, somewhere where women are not the main focus…right? Well here it is. Blue in Green is probably the number 1 place in New York (and if you are into online shopping, then maybe on the web too) for men’s raw, dry and selvedge denim. Offering the absolute finest in quality denim with brands like Samurai Raw Selvedge and Evisu Japan, Baracuta, Naked & Famous, Eternal and even Sugar Cane, Blue in Green is a complete “men’s lifestyle store”. When you head on in to Blue in Green, you won’t have to worry about alteration, hemming, or even a hat boys…they’ll have you taken care of at every angle. Oh, and I think I should mention, I’ve heard the ladies working there aren’t so bad either!

5. Bloomie’s in SoHo

504 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

www.bloomingdales.com

I had to give you an old standard, right? Just in case you are ever in dire straits of a pair of jeans immediately, and boutique shopping is just not an option (just in case of course, I mean, who pops into Bloomie’s for no good reason, right? Ha!)…well then scoot on down to Broadway! I would not recommend 1PM on a Saturday for this tourist’s haven of course, but grabbing a pair on a Monday after work? Dropping in on the way to drinks on Friday? No problem girls! Definitely test out this old school—but totally new—department store classic, where you’ll find just about the largest selection of designer denim in the city. We’re talking about 7 For All Mankind, Ralph Lauren, AG by Adriano Goldschmied, Burberry, Theory, DSquared², Citizens of Humanity, Hudson, J Brand, James Jeans, Antik Batik, Paige Premium, Rock & Republic, Joe’s Jeans, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, William Rast, True Religion, Anlo and MORE. Ahh…sigh…so many jeans to wear, so little time to wear them all…

And while we’re on the topic of so much denim, here’s 5 more!

6. Barney’s Co-op Upper West Side

2151 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
www.barneys.com/COOP/

It’s Barney’s. It’s the Co-op. It’s the one on the Upper West Side. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, that’s a major problem. Get with the program people.

7. Diesel Denim Gallery

68 Greene Street #1, New York, NY 10012

While you’re man is in Blue in Green, run a few blocks down to Diesel and grab yourself a pair of Diesel Matics (a la Lorna’s recent black skinny post)! It’s huge, it’s Diesel. Enough said.

8. Atrium

644 Broadway, New York, NY 10012

Atrium will certainly not be the most organized store you will ever shop—what, with stylists, tourists, locals, and fashion fiends alike piecing through the seemingly endless racks of jeans and tops. However, you might just find the best outfit of your closet right here. In New Jersey? Check out the location there as well or the web at www.atriumnyc.com!

9. Steven Alan

103 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013-2911

Steven Alan is “Everything you need to get well-dressed”. This TriBeCa hot spot is one man’s version of denim and apparel for the ideal New York wardrobe. Check it out online too at www.stevenalan.com

10. Billy Reid

54 Bond Street between Lafayette and Bowery, New York, NY

Located in the Old Bowery Theatre, Billy Reid was the 2001 winner of the CFDA Perry Ellis Award for Menswear. Think Rhett Butler meets Tom Ford, Southern Gentlemen with a Manhattan Twist. Now that’s hot. Online at www.billyreid.com

Stayed tuned for more destination denim with me!

xx-minnyb