Refinery 29: The Coolest NYC Store We Never Knew About!

When it comes to New York shopping, we were certain that we knew pretty much everything. So, we're a tad embarrassed to confess that this cutting-edge Nolita boutique completely took us by surprise during a weekend jaunt down Elizabeth Street. The name: Babel Fair, a little NYC shop that packs a mondo punch with hard-to-find clothing, accessories, and treasures that speed up our heart-rate to dangerous levels. The boutique was founded in October by Erica Kiang, a world traveler (hence the reference to the infamous Tower of Babel), who spends a good chunk of her year exploring foreign fashion in far-flung locales. The result is a carefully curated shop of wonders stocked with a laundry list of designers that aren't carried anywhere else in the city. Look for zipper-detailed frocks from Spain's El Delgado Buil and loud print scarves from Brazilian brand Alessa, plus Japanese denim, Argentinean leather, French chocolate, and custom-made acrylic nails from Hong Kong. Plus, the interior is pretty worldly, too—we're loving the crate-like tables, screaming yellow boxes, and the upside-down mural of artsy, iconic buildings. If you haven't checked it out, we urge you to do so—you'll walk out feeling like your style passport got a whole lot more stamps.

Ms. Kiang was nice enough to give us the inside scoop on her five favorite items available in the store right now:

1. El Delgado Buil Leather Scarf with Zip Pockets ($249): "Keep your hands free with this best-selling leather scarf by Spanish line El Delgado Buil---a chic combination of a scarf and a wallet!"

2. El Delgado Buil Chiffon Striped Skirt ($299): "This flirty chiffon skirt is subtly sexy with transparent stripes that reveal a glimpse of boy shorts underneath."

3. Striped Romper by Danish brand Gestuz ($159): "Gestuz hit the nail on the head with this edgy romper that has a slinky Blade Runner feel."

4. "R75" Binary Code Watch by Japan's Tokyo Flash ($249): "We still can't read the R75 binary code watch, yet it's our favorite accessory. Go figure."

5. Morrine Comte Marant Ruffle Vest ($249), & Bow-Tie Necklace ($49) : "This vest and necklace feel like a cool version of Gossip Girl . How could that be a bad thing?"

R29 DEAL:

Like always, we've managed to pull some strings! The Babel Fair team has agreed to give y'all 25% off in-store purchases until August 4! After a week's worth of discounted shopping at this Nolita gem, we're sure that this boutique will become one of your fast-favorites, too. Don't forget to say Refinery29 at checkout!

July 28, 2010 8:00 AM

PAPER MAG: Babel Fair Covers Barcelona Fashion Week - By Erica Kiang

Erica Kiang is the mastermind behind Babel Fair, the Nolita shop stocked with of-the-moment clothes, accessories and trinkets from around the world. With the help of three trend forecasters, she imports styles simmering on the streets of Europe, Asia, South America and beyond. Last week, however, she hopped a flight to Barcelona to observe their latest and greatest wares firsthand. Here she reports to PAPER on what caught her eye at Barcelona Fashion Week:

Hot off a World Cup victory, Barcelona was alive with energy, romance, and a bit of disco edge last week for Barcelona Fashion Week. Located in the impressive Fira de Barcelona, the week kicked off in true Spanish style - with wine flowing before noon, a DJ perched above the cobblestone quad, and the fashion crowd busting a move between each presentation. Eighteen shows were held during the three-day event, and they represented a mix of European talent.

Among the standouts: Spain's own Cardona Bonache, whose Spring 2011 collection focused on a monochromatic white scheme enhanced by pleating and folding details. Bonache's show opened with the very literal accordion dress made with a series of delicate pin tucks. Earning an increasing reputation, Juan Antonio Avalos of Barcelona was also a hit. He showed a menswear collection influenced by Japanese pop culture, with punchy colors and metallic shoulder pads. (Even the hamster wheel helmets his models wore, however, could not hide the hotness of Spanish model Jon Kortajarena, from A Single Man, as he walked the show). And, finally, Indian designer Manish Arora, renowned for his wild M.I.A. and Lady Gaga custom designs, seriously brought it. We loved his sequin bodices, race car skirts, and fantastical prints. In a word: dazzling.

This story was published on Jul. 22, 2010

PAPER MAG Article here.

Babel Fair Interview on LX NBC TV

Plaztik Mag Editorial Blog Exclusive Featuring Washborn Denim from Babel Fair

Full post/photo credits here.

Daily Candy Video Interview: Make Your Mark Women in Business

One Woman Show

Ever walk into a jam-packed boutique or read an inspiring article about a successful designer and think: How'd she do that?

The answer is blood, sweat, tears, and maxed-out credit cards. At least according to Rebecca Minkoff, Joanna Vargas, Ali Galgano, Wenlan Chia, and Erica Kiang - five women who started with a passion, fought hard, and came away with flourishing businesses.

Click here to view full video interview: Daily Candy Interview

Women's Health July/August 2010 - Babel Fair Credit for Funktional Leather Jacket