New York Magazine (Dec Issue): A Guide to Shopping and Eating on Elizabeth Street

8. Babel Fair
(260 Elizabeth St.; 646-360-3685)
A studiously international shop with Pima-cotton tees from Peru and San Bernardo snow boots from Italy.

NY Magazine Link

Time Out (Dec 31 2009 Issue): New Openings

Erica Kiang brings her love of international street style to NYC by filling her Nolita boutique with inventory from around the globe, much of its exclusive to her store. Among the diverse goods, you’ll find Taiwanese red leather pumps with architectural heels ($259), French fragrances that promise “happiness” ($49) and handwoven totes from Ghana ($59).

Time Out Online Link

Paper Magazine: Babel Fair Shop of the Week

For a slice of the international streetwear scene, look no further than Nolita. We're not talking about tourists strolling Mott Street, we mean retail newcomer Babel Fair, a shop that brings together of-the-moment clothes, accessories and trinkets from around the world. Peep what all the kids are wearing... Right now, that includes Aussie up-and-comers Maurie and Eve ($189 for their sassy side-pocket dress), San Bernardo it-boots by way of Italy ($249), tricked-out blackberry covers from Hong Kong ($29), and cutting edge Heavy Machine heels from Taiwan (we covet the $259 pairs above).

After working for a couple big-name fashion companies, owner Erica Kiang sought to bring something new and a little funky to the retail landscape. At Babel Fair, she enlists the help of three freelance trend forecasters, who regularly report what styles are simmering on the streets of their European, Asian and South American markets. That means anything from casual Pima cotton tees from Peru to dazzling sequin tops from Brazil. Kiang selects items that jive with her store's fun, flirty vibe and tries to keep prices below $300.

So far, Babel Fair is a hit among visitors and locals alike. We watched customers scoop up those colorful, compact headphones by Swedish company Urbanears ($59) and the last few pairs of Cochni made Italian cashmere leggings ($129). The store's assortment is constantly changing, though, so best to stay ahead of the curve by coming often!

Paper Magazine Link

Racked.com: Friday is Haggle Day at Babel Fair

NOLITA—There ought to be a word that means "gimmick" but doesn't have the same negative connotations. Until someone invents one, though, we're just going to continue being wordlessly impressed with cute new boutique Babel Fair's continual ability to distinguish itself from many equally cute neighbors. While every other store in Manhattan has decided to knock 15% or 25% or 40% off merchandise for Black Friday, Babel Fair has declared the occasion Haggle Day. "Give us your best shot," says their email announcement. If you're an expert bargainer, now's your time to shine.

Racked.com Link