Ask us which boutique is ‘typical New York’, and one immediately comes to mind: Opening Ceremony. The epitome of downtown cool, Opening Ceremony is more than just a retail store. Going beyond the realms of fashion, it’s a destination for exploration and discovery; a house for contemporary brands and mainstream-defying collaborations; a space that celebrates all things creative, whether it be fashion, art or simply the creative zeitgeist or mood.
Located on the fringe of Chinatown and Soho, one gets the impression that creative directors, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, use this eclectic location like a sponge, absorbing all the wonderful, edgy and uncommon happenings to feed a multidimensional representation that is unlike anything else: forward but relatable, new but somehow familiar, ‘New York local’ but thoroughly international.
With four floors to explore, a shoe gallery and a bookstore - plus the men’s store next door - this is not the place to visit with only five minutes to spare. (Did we mention the staircase featuring the lyrics of “Hello, I love you?” from The Doors?) We love finishing a day at the studio with a leisurely exploration of the new collections from iconic brands, both local and international, established and emerging - think the likes of Mansur Gavriel, Rachel Comey, Acne, MM6 Maison Margiela and their own eponymous label. It’s hard to walk out of here without something new: a garment, accessory, book or magazine is sure to accompany you out the door. Constantly evolving and featuring something different, Opening Ceremony feels like a welcome and friendly haven for creativity, a place to be inspired and to get something a little edgy, a little unique, that you can’t get anywhere else - which is so typical New York, no?
Opening Ceremony | 35 Howard St New York | www.openingceremony.com
Bouchra wears the Flower Necklace Open, Icon Ring, and Geometric Square Ring. Sophie wears the Icon Cuff and X Ring.
