Best Places to Buy Local Designers

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

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

The Canvas‍

Location Rotates

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  

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

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.

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

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