Nikki Kule is–as they say–a born and bred native New Yorker. She is the person to go to for the best recommendations in the city, specifically when it comes to shopping (both fashion and design, which she has a fantastic eye for), dining (restaurants that are both tried and true and new), and art, which she is both an observer and collector of. In honor of our Fall Collection, an homage to all things New York, we compiled Nikki’s Guide to NYC.
The Shopping: Fashion
We must start with Bergdorf Goodman, a giant specialty store with unique pieces, from home to accessories, that you won’t find anywhere else. Check out her favorite stops: the makeup and shoe departments. Nikki has memories of dressing room try-ons with her mom at Bergdorf Goodman. Check out The Heirloomist: 100 Treasures and the Stories They Tell, by photographer Shana Novak, which includes a photo of Nikki’s mom’s vintage BG card she’s held on to all these years. KULE also collaborated with Bergdorf Goodman twice! You can still get your hands on the last few pieces.
Not far from Bergdorf Goodman, just south on Fifth Avenue, is Rockefeller Center. It’s a must-visit, with its uptick of great brands. Specifically, the KULE store 😉 right on the concourse, where you can try our pants, sweaters, tees, and outerwear, stop by the Sock Bar, and take a selfie in the mirror. You can also shop the most iconic New York statements. A little tidbit of something you probably do not know, but aside from Nikki’s father being “The King of Pants,” he also founded a bagel shop in the 1970s on the Upper West Side and the Garment District—something to nosh on 🥯
Nikki likes to shop in specialty stores rather than mega-brands to find items you won’t see elsewhere. On the Upper East Side is Ludivine, a luxury women’s boutique that offers a curated selection of international and domestic designers. She finds something every season.
Then swing down to Dover Street Market, which Nikki recently visited and highly recommends you check out this fall. It showcases high-end clothing with impressive artistic displays and many brands you won’t find at other stores—seven full floors of fun.
Comme des Garçons display via Instagram @doverstreetmarketnewyork
Downtown in the NoLiTa area is Oroboro, a small and delightful womenswear boutique featuring rare and emerging designers and fun and unusual home objects. A few steps down Mott Street is Westerlind, which Nikki loves because of its cool outdoorsy gear from different brands. No 6. Store sits on a Little Italy side street. They sell pieces from their group of curated vintage and European designer shoes, apparel, and accessories.
In TriBeCa is La Garçonne. It’s a loft-like shop where you’ll find many hard-to-find brands, both classic and unique. Their curation is thoughtful, displayed in a gallery-like brick-and-mortar space. Make plenty of time for this stop.
The Shopping: Design
Nikki loves designing interiors. You should see her mood boards! Nickey Kehoe is her favorite store from Los Angeles, now in downtown NYC. Some of her favorites from the store are the textiles, wallpapers, small home kitchenware, and lighting fixtures.
Also Downtown is BDDW, which she likes specifically for ceramics, art, and unusual furniture. They also sell some cool clothing. You could spend a whole day at John Derian in the East Village. Their textiles are a highlight (go there if you’re looking for a throw blanket or bedding), but the knickknacks are not to be missed.
The Invisible Collection is a beautiful townhouse on the Upper East Side that is always fun to visit. It offers a fresh take on classics and a place to discover new design ideas.
Art
Nikki loves visiting her favorite galleries frequently, whether you’re just browsing or buying. Her favorite galleries uptown are Skarsdadt, Turn Gallery, Neue Gallery, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and Lévy Gorvy. Turn Gallery, owned by Annika Petersen, shows established and emerging artists. Annika has such an eye for talent. Nikki says she tends to follow the artists she finds at Turn Gallery, such as Karon Lyons and Andy Mister. Lévy Gorvy is another one of her favorites. It has creative and incredible installations, and the building’s architecture is worth seeing, too.
This weekend, Nikki visited Galleria Mattia De Luca Uptown to see a Giorgio Morandi exhibit. It has one of the largest Morandi collections on display. The exhibit is by appointment only, so make a reservation!
Many good galleries are further downtown, especially Gladstone Gallery, Pace, and Harper Books. She notes that she often uses the SEE SAW App for gallery showings (not only in NYC but also in major cities around the world).
Dining
The food in NYC is unparalleled, and of course, Nikki has her favorites. As a big Italian food lover (as evidenced below), she looks for comfort and great, authentic food. New York does this best 🙂
One of her local Uptown favorites is Sette Mezzo. It never disappoints. For fine dining, Le Bernardin is an exceptional place for birthday celebrations.
Downtown, there are many picks. I Sodi is a tough table to get, but it serves some of the best meals. Raf’s on Elizabeth Street has the charm of an old-world bistro. It is a homey and fun. She also loves Il Cantinori and has been going there forever. It’s a New York staple. Houseman is Nikki’s old neighborhood go-to. They have an amazing burger (Nikki doesn’t eat meat now but still thinks of it often). And try the pickles!
Enjoy your meals!
Check out the newest KULE collection and dress like a native New Yorker, too. New York or nowhere!