Technically speaking Soho is an acronym for SOuth of HOuston Street, but this trendy district bounded by Houston Street, Canal Street, Broadway, and the Hudson River is where sophistication meets bohemia. The neighborhood -synonymous with glamour, youth, opulence, shopping, and enterprise -is constantly evolving. Before its incarnation as an art and shopping mecca, SoHo started in the 1800s as a commercial hub known as the Cast Iron District. In the 1960s the desolate nature of SoHo attracted artists as diverse Chuck Close, Frank Stella, and Richard Serra who saw the neighborhood as the birthplace of the bohemian art movement. Artists bought up the cheap vacant factories and converted the industrial spaces into lofts and studios. Buyers, hipsters, and intellectuals left the monotonous uptown scene and soon flocked to the once-forgotten neighborhood. Considering that fashion echoes trends in modern art, naturally the fashionistas followed the path paved by the artists. Today, SoHo is still the nexus of creative activity and embodies that original avant garde spirit. With its chic cast iron architecture, cobblestone streets, and distinct rich-artist vibe it would be misnomer to call SoHo just a neighborhood as it is a lifestyle.
Past and present collide as the neighborhood’s acclaimed cast-iron warehouse buildings house modern day designers, while the original architectural elements pay homage to the district’s history. Today, SoHo's retail is clustered in the northern area of the neighborhood -along Broadway and Prince and Spring streets -offering a hodgepodge of both luxury, mainstream, and thrift retail. Fifth Avenue staples such as: Prada, Bloomingdale's, H&M, Marc Jacobs, Lesportsac, Adidas, Chanel, Victoria's Secret, Puma AG, Dolce & Gabbana, Lululemon, Sephora, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein have all migrated to SoHo.
Check Out:
Lesportsac (118 Greene Street New York, NY 10012 212.625.2626) Lesportsac epitomizes the duality of functionality and high-style. Pop into Lesportsac’s Soho Flagship to check out the latest patterns, styles, and designs from this hip on-trend brand. Kenneth Park Architects created a retail space that communicated Lesportsac’s legendary blend of modernism and timelessness. This 2,700 sf store features two-levels of shopping with the Classic and Designer Collections (designed by trendsetters Stella McCartney, Jonathan Adler, Diane von Furstenberg, Tokidoki and Gwen Stefani) displayed downstairs and the standard bag and accessory line on the street level.
Adidas (610 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 212.529.0081)
Any sneaker aficionado associates Adidas's signature three stripes with pure and utter bliss. The Adidas Sport Performance Center is not only a must see destination, but also a one-stop shop for all things athletic. This 40,000 sf mega store is fully stocked with men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing, footwear, and accessories. Kenneth Park Architects worked in collaboration with the Adidas design team in Germany to create a truly unique retail space. At the Soho flagship customers have access to the "mi adidas" custom-fit shoe technology to make personalized sneakers that take the shoppers' measurements and senses of style into consideration.
SoHo may have once been a haven for starving artists, but with the endless choices of restaurants, cafes, and bars that this neighborhood has to offer, no one leaves less than satisfied. SoHo holds up its eclectic reputation even when it comes to food & drink with a restaurant scene that ranges from inexpensive to extravagant to please all tastes. After a day of shopping check out these restaurants close to nearby shopping hotspots:
Brunch: Corner Shop Cafe ($ 643 Broadway, New York, NY 212.253.7467)
In the City that never sleeps, brunch (accompanied with many a mimosa or bloody Mary) is essential to keeping the stamina up. Corner Shop Café won’t break the bank and will become your excuse to head to SoHo (if you needed one). With offerings that range from sweet to savory like the mind-blowing Creme Brulee Dipped French Toast custard dipped, served with minted berries & real black berry maple syrup and the perfectly balanced Mushroom, Spinach & Goat Cheese Omelet the only complaint you could have is your eyes being bigger than your stomach. Wash it all down with their Organic Espresso from barefoot coffee roasters and fresh squeezed juices and you will be all ready to roll into the nearby Adidas flagship.
Dinner: Kelley & Ping ($ 127 Greene St., New York, NY 212.228.1212) Kelley & Ping ($ 127 Greene St., New York, NY 212.228.1212) Shopping at the Greene Lesportsac can work up an appetite, head over to the nearby noodle shop for a cheap and delicious lunch. Kelly & Ping is the sister restaurant to Prince Street’s more upscale Kin Khao, and offers noodles, soups, and wok fare. This vegetarian friendly spot's close proximity to shops and art galleries keeps the place packed so plan accordingly. Make sure to try the Thai Pad See Ew and the Malaysian Curried Noodle Soup.
Drinks: Thom Bar ($$ 60 Thompson St., New York, NY 212.219.2000)
Kenneth Park Architects had their Holiday Party at the mezzanine-level bar inside the chic 60 Thompson hotel. This modern hotspot is an urban oasis from the hustle and bustle where patrons can expect strong drinks, consistent service, and seasoned DJs. Dress your best for this hangout, so make sure to check out the SoHo Michael Kors and Coach stores beforehand.
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