A labyrinth of brownstone-lined streets, elegant restaurants, independent boutiques and hidden gardens, New York’s West Village embodies a similar level of luxury as that of Madison Avenue, but with its own distinct downtown charm. When it comes to shopping, there is plenty to choose from, whether you are after designer flagship stores or under-the-radar brands, resulting in an excitingly diverse shopping experience.
Aedes de Venustas
With plush carpets, gilded wallpaper and an extravagant chandelier, this ultra luxurious store feels as though it could be located in the heart of Paris. This store sells decadent fragrances, lotions, soaps and candles from high-end brands, and offers a number of exclusives that cannot be purchased elsewhere in the city, such as the candles by Les Secrets Laduree Paris.
Maison Margiela
West Village’s Maison Margiela was the very first boutique opened by Parisian fashion house Maison Martin Margiela in America and showcases the brand’s avant-garde designs. Whether you intend on purchasing anything or not, many of the brand’s signature aesthetics can be seen throughout the interior of the store, making it a must-visit for any fashionistas out there.
Odin NY
Odin NY is a great menswear store that features garments from some of the leading international fashion brands from around the globe. Whether you are looking for denim, outerwear, shoes or accessories, you will find it at Odin NY, with the selection of brands ranging from Phillip Lim to Rag & Bone to Acne Studios to Canada Goose, as well as Odin’s own label.
Three Lives & Co
Just about every New York neighborhood boasts a quaint indie bookshop, and Three Lives & Co is the one to head to in West Village. While the shop may be small, the collection of books here has been hand-picked, and the knowledgeable staff are always happy to recommend a few titles. The store covers books from a wide range of genres, but their cooking, travel and literary fiction selections are highly revered.
Urban Zen
Fashion lovers were aghast at the news that Donna Karan left her namesake brand in 2015, and if you have been wondering what the talented designer has been up to since then, pay a visit to West Village’s Urban Zen, which is a store that combines fashion, accessories, and homeware. With the aim of supporting local artisans from around the world, this store is a joy to browse, and has exceptionally soft sofas for when you need a small breather.
Madame Matovu
Madame Matovu is a small vintage shop that has earned itself quite the reputation. Its owner has an incredible eye for picking stunning pieces from all over the world, and the diverse array of products here is mind-boggling. From designer labels that come with four-digit price tags to quirky accessories that you can pick up for a couple of dollars, there is always new stock being added to this store, so do pop in whenever you find yourself in the area.
Considered by many to be one of the most alluring areas of New York, West Village has managed to hold on to its unique edge amidst all of the gentrification occurring around it. Whether you are seeking out designer fashion or high-end homeware, West Village offers a range of goods that you would have a hard time finding anywhere else in the city.
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