BY CYBELE POLICASTRO

It has been awhile since my last post, and quite a few stores have opened on the west side of Bleecker Street. Naadam (392 Bleecker) sells responsibly sourced Mongolian cashmere, Buck Mason (300 Bleecker) is an American men’s clothing brand with a loyal following, Slightly Alabama (350 Bleecker) makes leather accessories, Lingua Franca (382 Bleecker) sells hand-stitched cashmere sweaters emblazoned with statements like, “I Miss Barack” and “Give A Damn”, and Prabal Gurung (367 Bleecker) is a Nepalese-American fashion label. Also in the mix is bedding and bath brand Hill House Home (395 Bleecker) and luxe home decor company, St Frank (373 Bleecker). Another, home decor brand, The Citizenry (379 Bleecker) has a pop-up (Open until December 22). And finally, bodega and florist, Fleurotica + Bonberi (384 Bleecker).

Some other highlights…

Jay Kos + Heirloom (400 Bleecker)

A collaboration between Jay Kos, who started out 25 years ago on the Upper East Side, and Heirloom sneakers.  All the clothing is designed by Jay Kos and hand made in Italy and France and serving clients that range from CEO’s to the biggest hip hop and music moguls and entertainers as well as the aspirational shopper.

Heirloom sneakers all are designed by Scott Burr of the highest quality Italian leather. Jay says they chose Bleecker because “ …it has a strong sense of community, a lot of the shopping areas in NYC have turned into suburban malls . We look for areas that are rich in culture and individuality.”

Huckberry (382 Bleecker)

Huckberry, the online men's lifestyle and outdoor retailer, opened in November. The pop-up features many events and self-guided “NYC adventure itineraries” such as ‘West Village Drinking Tour with Jack Kerouac’ that starts just outside the store’s door (open until January 31).

Kilona Shop (378 Bleecker)

Kilona Shop features Indian hand craftsmanship with the intention to create conscious living products following the Vedic Texts and Ayurveda. The store features Ayurvedic Apparel dyed with turmeric, ginger and other medicinal herbs, pure copperware, pure silver and Rudraksha Mala Bead Jewelry amongst many things.

Sophia Helena, Kilona Retail Manager says, “Our favorite thing about Bleecker is our neighbors who have been so incredibly supportive and shown us a tremendous amount of love. … neighbors come into the store all the time telling us how happy they are to see our boutique open as it is the breath of fresh air”.

Quaker Marine Supply Co. + Tombolo (359 Bleecker)

Quaker Marine Supply Co. is a heritage nautical brand started in 1949 recently brought back to life. Icon Ernest Hemmingway was known to don one of their ‘Oysterman’ hats.

Tombolo is a unisex Hawaiian shirt brand with original artwork. Think a hipster version of Tommy Bahama! Chris Galasso, the general manager, says what made them select Bleecker was …”the charm, the sense of community, and the holiday shoppers!” (month of December)

goldno. 8 + Thursdays (332 Bleecker)

gold no. 8 sells handbags designed and made in the USA. Every style is customizable and empowers women to create bags that unique to their personal style. Thursdays, a family run independent retail business, is providing the cashmere.

Ariane Gold, the founder of the handbag company and a former designer for Ralph Lauren, told BSB… “I am thrilled to have our first brick and mortar store on Bleecker Street.  The West Village is my favorite neighborhood in NYC, and Bleecker Street has always held a special place in my heart.  Nothing makes me happier than seeing the revitalization that is taking place right now on Bleecker Street.”  (open until January 31st).