New York Shopping / Soho and more

Sure there’s Mad. Ave., Fifth Ave. Park Ave. But head downtown for true, new, exciting purchases.

RICK OWENS

WHO; He’s a luxury obsessed designer who sells to a luxury obsessed breed. With a press office in Paris, Owens is very secretive and very independent. The merchandise, as expected, is expensive and described as “where haute meets haunted”. But beware, the fashion police may spot a knock- off.

WHO IS WEARING; For sure Rick Owens is not for the meek of heart. There is a shock element but there’s also some smart looks for rich Gen Y and Zoomers and of course, open credit cards is major. Well, certainly it’s not difficult to guess the colours of choice. Black and a touch of charcoal. But ask about celebs and the questions provokes giggles of incredulity that one would dare ask. And they won’t even give initials.

MUST HAVE; Whatever is on display is the must of the moment.

250 Hudson St West SoHo TEL. 212 627 7222

JEFFREY

WHO; It may be in the offbeat meatpacking area but it’s the centre for fashion for both men and women and the first stop should be Jeffrey Kalinski’s swell digs. As a retailer with major trend setting style, he learned the business at his dad’s store in Charleston. Be ready to drop a wad as one would expect with togs by Prada, Gucci, Balenciaga and Lanvin. And being wait listed here has a certain cachet since it means you shop at Jeffrey.

WHO IS WEARING; As expected, although the hot actors do embrace this shop, they are tight lipped about the names. However, with enough credit or cash, you’ll be well turned out after not being able to resist the collections and feel and look as terrific as those Red Carpet clients.

MUST HAVE; Definitely they are fashions seen in this moment’s statement du jour in fashion magazines, ads and any of the style magazines

449 W 14th Street TEL. 212 206 1272

DEREK LAM

WHO; San Francisco born, Parson School of Fashion grad, Derek Lam opened his shop in 2009.Unfussy yet edgy ready to wear with a cache of accessories are part of the loot found here.

WHO IS WEARING; Don’t be surprised to see Julianne Moore, Kate Hudson, Kate Beckinsale snapping up the latest themed collection theme, Urban Cowgirl.

MUST HAVE: Boots. They are the ‘it’ factor and range from short to high, not over the knee but the newest is with a platform and in black and dark brown.

10-12 Crosby Street TEL 212 966 1616