Nikki Kule was born and raised in New York City and has lived there all her life. 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 the most unique pieces, from home to accessories, that you won’t find anywhere else. Nikki has been shopping at Bergdorf Goodman for years and has memories of dressing room try-ons with her mom. 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 to check out this fall. It showcases high-end clothing with impressive artistic displays with many brands you won’t find at other stores.
Go for the fun pieces from Simone Rocha or JW Anderson, and stay for the everyday staples from Lemaire or The Row. You can find a very special, stand-out piece from a slew of cool designers from around the world.
Seven full floors of fun.
Downtown in the NoLiTa area is Oroboro, a small and delightful womenswear boutique featuring rare & emerging designers with fun and unique 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 and unique, 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 from Los Angeles, now in downtown NYC. Some of her favorites from the store are TKTK. She also loves BDDW, also downtown. Go there for TKTK.
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 knick-nacks are not to be missed.
Uptown, you can find The Invisible Collection, which has unique furniture and decor. TKTK
Art
Nikki loves visiting her favorite galleries frequently, whether you’re just browsing or buying. Her favorite galleries uptown are Skarsdadt, Turn Gallery, Gagosian, and Hauser & Wirth. She notes many good ones further downtown, especially Gladstone Gallery, Pace, and Harper Books. She also loves to use the SEE SAW App for gallery showings.
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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 🙂
Downtown are several favorites. I Sodi (related to Via Carota, The Commerce Inn, Buvette, and Bar Pisellino) is a tough table to get, but it serves some of the best meals. It’s Tuscan style with fantastic food, wines & cocktails. Owner Rita Sodi says the cacio e pepe is her most popular pasta dish. Raf’s on Elizabeth Street has the charm of an old-world bistro. It is a homey stop for French and Italian-inspired dining. Nikki’s favorites from the menu include TKTK. She also loves Il Cantinori, which has been around since 1983. It’s romantic with the Tuscan countryside’s unique seasonal but traditional dishes.
I WOULD REMOVE THIS: For some fun, in the “Dimes Square” area, Le Dive is a fun, indoor-outdoor popular bar (with bits) with tables spilling onto the sidewalk. Go for people-watching and great martinis.
Houseman in Hudson Square is an à-la-carte restaurant serving American cuisine with a Scandinavian touch. The menu highlights TKTK.
Uptown is Sette Mezzo, an Upper East Side Italian restaurant that has been open since 1989. It’s a friendly, homey restaurant. You must order the TKTK. Also uptown on 51st Street is Le Bernardin for fine dining. It offers several menu options for exceptional (and beautifully presented) courses.
A special mention to the iconic NYC institution, M&J Trimming, which is sadly closing after over 80 years. Many NYC-based brands started here. Nikki began designing for KULE and got all her notions and trimmings from M&J.
