Time Out (Feb 18 Issue): Right Now We Want...

WGSN: Buyer Interviews March 2010

www.grandlifenyc.com: Babel Fair

Babel Fair offers an exquisite assortment of funky shoes and eclectic clothes from around the world. Owner Erica Kiang hired freelance trend-hunters to scour every inch of the globe for the newest styles and most innovative looks, which is why Babel Fair stands out as one of the most prolific and interesting boutiques in downtown New York. The interior of the shop is whimsical and beautiful, giving the shopper an escape from the bustling streets outside. On one of the most up-and-coming blocks in NoLiTa, Babel Fair is welcome company amid the many chic shops the neighborhood has to offer.

Grand Life Link

Best New(ish) Retail Stretch of 2009: Nolita (Racked.com)

It hasn't been the easiest year for retail—but every closure leads to an opening and when deciding on what new retail stretch or shopping neighborhood was our 2009 favorite we couldn't help but notice that streets south of Houston throughout Nolita, Bowery and the Lower East Side saw a lot of action.

Elizabeth St. in particular got two great additions in the form of Babel Fair's hard-to-find international designer fare and cheeky British sex shop Coco de Mer. We are also pretty excited about designer consignment shop PPF on Ludlow.

We know, we saw Gawker's Nolita Recession Map, but so did Bowery Boogie and they published a defensive missive stating—in detail—that there is a pretty burgeoning bright side that includes the recent neighborhood additions of Vince, Hayden-Harnett, Frock, JF Son, and others. So, put that in your pipe and smoke it, Great Recession.

Racked.com Link

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