JOIN the AFICIONADOS
To receive our world of travel and style delivered straight to your inbox.
Set among the wide streets and historic buildings of downtown Manhattan, for decades Tribeca has been an understated artist haunt, a fusion of easy-going European charm and New York ambition. Its close proximity to both the city’s romantic waterfront promenades and the heart of many creative industries gives it the feel of a separate town within a major metropolis. Truly a design-lover’s shopping dream, here cutting-edge architectural gems come in the form of stores, hotels like the iconic Greenwich Hotel, restaurants and even synagogues.
In recent years a new breed of artisans have moved to the area in droves, forming what has unofficially become known as the Tribeca Design District. Just steps from The Greenwich Hotel, you can browse chic Danish home designs, pick out unique lighting fixtures, or even have a “luxury axe” custom designed at whim. Or, if you’re more of a flaneur, simply walk the streets and allow yourself to be dazzled by the sophistication of the neighborhood and its offerings.
82 Franklin St
r-and-company.com
Founded in 1997 by Zesty Meyers and Evan Snyderman, R & Co was created to promote design appreciation and also preserve various works of 20th and 21st century works.
Today, it represents an eclectic mix of historical and contemporary designers and also acts as an incubator for groundbreaking exhibitions and publications.
Its roster features a wide range of designers from around the globe, including Wendell Castle, Sebastian Errazuriz, Rogan Gregory, the Estate of Greta Grossman, Serban Ionescu, Hun-Chung Lee, Joyce Lin, Jolie Ngo, Katie Stout, Johnny Swing, Studio Job, Joaquim Tenreiro, and Jeff Zimmerman, among others. Through its acclaimed exhibitions, publications, and fair presentations, the gallery has become a sought-after leader in the field, fostering relationships with an array of collectors, cultural leaders, dedicated patrons, and scholars.
38 Walker Street
davidweeksstudio.com
Referred to as the “equivalent of a novel in progress” this storefront is celebrated for its ability to consistently change and innovate, displaying a unique collection of lighting, furniture, and sculpture designs.
38 N. Moore Street
espasso.com
Specializing in modern and contemporary Brazilian furniture, this showroom is focused on conserving South America’s rich 20th Century design heritage and promoting today’s most celebrated designers.
A thriving outpost for interior designers, architects, artists, collectors and museums, ESPASSO’s products have been featured everywhere from museums and galleries to luxurious private residences.
Patrick Parrish is the unique designer who’s able to capture both mass appeal and the eye of collectors, drawing in top designers like Steven Gambrel, Roman and Williams and Peter Marino, and attracting such diverse celebrities as Jennifer Aniston, Michael Stipe, and Jenna Lyons to his galleries.
40 Walker St
stillfried.com
Created by Viennese entrepreneurs and partners Anna and Michael Trubrig, Stillfried Wien melds European minimalism with New York edge. In their previous lives Anna worked in marketing and Michael was a hedge fund manager before they combined their passions to open this chic furniture gallery.
Inside, Stillfried Wien showcases an eclectic mix of modern design, traditional craftsmanship, and rare indie pieces, which, to quote Anna, brings “the very best in contemporary Austrian, German, and Swiss furniture and accessories to an American audience for the first time.”
74 Franklin Street
uhurudesign.com
A multi-disciplinary design firm founded in 2004, Uhuru began as a high-end custom furniture design company with a focus on timeless, sustainable design. Founded by Rhode Island School of Design graduates Bill Hillgendorf and Jason Horvath, the brand utilizes undervalued materials to create luxury products with deep connections to the natural world.
Uhuru’s works are so singular that several have been acquired by the Smithsonian and Brooklyn Museum‘s permanent collections. Here at their Tribeca outpost, elements such as wood, steel, and stone are turned into alternative materials, and the space, which also acts as a gallery, tells the story of the brand’s commitment to reuse, innovation, and exploration.
177 Franklin St
shinola.com
Designed by the Rockwell Group, this New York outpost of the Detroit legend also hosts a small cafe and newsstand by The Smile, a custom built steel catwalk, and a bespoke spiral staircase.
Be sure to pick up one of Shinola's iconic watches or play with one of their many handmade bicycles. This location also stocks special collaborations and a range of Detroit-made products from Smith Shop, Detroit Denim, Local Portion and many others.
59 Walker St
trans-luxe.com
trans-LUXE custom lighting is known locally as the best place to pick up handmade lampshades, lamps, chandeliers and fine lighting fixtures for even the most discerning tastes.
25 North Moore
roomonline.com
Custom-crafted by local artisans, ROOM brings together some of the world’s most innovative contemporary designs and is owned and run by husband and wife team Amy Crain and Shawn Miller.
As a bonus, you can also pick out your own upholstery and case goods designed Amy, a former House & Garden editor.