Best Places to Buy Local Designers
September 15, 2022 • By Calli FergusonThis week we have a v special Best Of article featuring all of the best places to shop local designers in the city. Our guest editor, Calli, is passionate about keeping things local and shopping from all of the amazing artists & creators in NYC. Head to our website to read the full list and get shopping! ︎
Cafe Forgot
Lower East Side, Manhattan
For:
One-of-one pieces displayed on an epic rotating rack. It’s kind of like Hannah Montana’s closet… only if it was filled with breathtaking reconstructed garments and surrounded with artistic jewelry from independent designers.
Find:
Marland Backus, alterita jewelry, Patricia Torvalds, Teva Livne, 69herbs, and many more
Lower East Side, Manhattan
For:
One-of-one pieces displayed on an epic rotating rack. It’s kind of like Hannah Montana’s closet… only if it was filled with breathtaking reconstructed garments and surrounded with artistic jewelry from independent designers.
Find:
Marland Backus, alterita jewelry, Patricia Torvalds, Teva Livne, 69herbs, and many more

Friends NYC
Bushwick, Brooklyn
For:
A fun, colorful space to shop gifts, lifestyle goods, and some vintage fashion. Friends NYC curates a vibe-forward shopping oasis in Bushwick’s ‘BogArt’ building which is shared with a variety of artists and small businesses.
Find:
Brooklyn Candle Studio, Anecdote Candles, Field Trip, and Only Hearts
Bushwick, Brooklyn
For:
A fun, colorful space to shop gifts, lifestyle goods, and some vintage fashion. Friends NYC curates a vibe-forward shopping oasis in Bushwick’s ‘BogArt’ building which is shared with a variety of artists and small businesses.
Find:
Brooklyn Candle Studio, Anecdote Candles, Field Trip, and Only Hearts

The Canvas
Location Rotates (Currently: Seaport and World Trade Center)
For:
Vacant-spaces turned ethical-designer-marketplaces where consumers know exactly how every brand is committed to making fashion a more ethical, sustainable space.
Find:
The Untrend Shop, Miranda Watson, Noorism, Latasha Lamar, La Femme Apero, and Foxylab
Location Rotates (Currently: Seaport and World Trade Center)
For:
Vacant-spaces turned ethical-designer-marketplaces where consumers know exactly how every brand is committed to making fashion a more ethical, sustainable space.
Find:
The Untrend Shop, Miranda Watson, Noorism, Latasha Lamar, La Femme Apero, and Foxylab

Les Miss
Nolita, Manhattan
For:
Funky, colorful, one-of-a-kinds made by independent creatives. Bonus points for going on a Saturday when they bring in local piercers, tattooers, tarot readers, ect. for their weekly Pop-Ups!
Find:
Society Mano, Plant Girl NYC, Undone By Kate, KaitlynsGood, and Earth Angel
Nolita, Manhattan
For:
Funky, colorful, one-of-a-kinds made by independent creatives. Bonus points for going on a Saturday when they bring in local piercers, tattooers, tarot readers, ect. for their weekly Pop-Ups!
Find:
Society Mano, Plant Girl NYC, Undone By Kate, KaitlynsGood, and Earth Angel

Canal Street Market
Chinatown, Manhattan
For:
Browsing a wide variety of local small biz vendor booths from home goods to upcycled fashion before enjoying some amazing rice rolls in the retail/food/community warehouse space.
Find:
Friend of a Friend Studio, Siizu, Mogutable, and Beeshaus & Raum
Chinatown, Manhattan
For:
Browsing a wide variety of local small biz vendor booths from home goods to upcycled fashion before enjoying some amazing rice rolls in the retail/food/community warehouse space.
Find:
Friend of a Friend Studio, Siizu, Mogutable, and Beeshaus & Raum

Michele Varian
Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
For:
Artisanal furniture and home accessories that make for the most dreamy, organic atmosphere. Varian’s own designs across lighting, wallpaper, and pillows are complemented by work from local ceramicists, furniture designers, and jewelers.
Find:
Michele Varian, 100+ other NY-based jewelry, furniture, and home designers
Editors note: At Michele Varian you can also shop ceramics from our very first cool friend: Michelle McLaughlin.
Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
For:
Artisanal furniture and home accessories that make for the most dreamy, organic atmosphere. Varian’s own designs across lighting, wallpaper, and pillows are complemented by work from local ceramicists, furniture designers, and jewelers.
Find:
Michele Varian, 100+ other NY-based jewelry, furniture, and home designers
Editors note: At Michele Varian you can also shop ceramics from our very first cool friend: Michelle McLaughlin.

LAHN and LAHN Living
West Village, Manhattan
For:
Curating a chic world where your wardrobe is as stylish as your apartment decor. Every item at the neighboring sister-stores (one for apparel, one for home) is a handpicked gem from independent designers both local and global.
Find:
Heather Stanko, Susanna Chow, Rujuta Sheth, Jane D'Arensbourg, Resin at The Disco, and In Common With
West Village, Manhattan
For:
Curating a chic world where your wardrobe is as stylish as your apartment decor. Every item at the neighboring sister-stores (one for apparel, one for home) is a handpicked gem from independent designers both local and global.
Find:
Heather Stanko, Susanna Chow, Rujuta Sheth, Jane D'Arensbourg, Resin at The Disco, and In Common With

The Grand Bazaar
Upper West Side, Manhattan
For:
The granddaddy of NYC makers’ markets. Of many wonderful fairs and fleas, Grand Bazaar places a particular emphasis on supporting local communities and is open year-round.
Find:
100+ local artists, makers, and collectors
Upper West Side, Manhattan
For:
The granddaddy of NYC makers’ markets. Of many wonderful fairs and fleas, Grand Bazaar places a particular emphasis on supporting local communities and is open year-round.
Find:
100+ local artists, makers, and collectors

Calli is a New York City based culture writer and content creator (and a loyal coolstuff.nyc reader). She is inspired by finding and sharing work from creatives across fashion, art, and music.