Today we share another episode of our NYC Hush Hush Tips, interviewing the powerful fashion entrepreneur, Natalie Klein.
What is NYC Hush Hush Tips?
We invite renowned and extremely influential people from all over the globe to share their NYC secret tips!
Natalie Klein, founder of the luxury multi-brand boutique nkStore in São Paulo, Brazil, launched her brand back in 1997.
She was quite young, but success was inevitable for this amazing woman!
In only a short time, she created, what is today, one of the most important fashion brands in Brazil.
Furthermore, with an amazing professional and personal journey, she was nominated by BOF – Business of Fashion, one of the most “talented retailers shaping the global fashion industry” in the #Bof500 initiative.
But, what is the BoF 500?
“The BoF 500 is the definitive professional index of the people shaping the $2.4 trillion fashion industry, hand-selected by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on hundreds of nominations received from current BoF 500 members, extensive data analysis and research.”
Pretty amazing nomination, right!?
So, here are the best NYC gems and secrets that she loves:
Devera
“Devera is an amazing vintage jewelry store that mixes Federico De Vera’s sensibility for antiques with his jewelry design talent!”
The brand was first launched in San Francisco, back in 1991 with a creative approach to showcasing some of the most unique and singular objects and its beauties.
Furthermore, the New York location was then opened in 2003, due to Francisco’s desire to showing the world everything that he’s collected, his passion, his curious state of being about the natural world!
As Federico explains better:
“The gallery shows a finely curated selection including Venetian glass, Japanese lacquer, ivory carvings, 18th century religious figures and antique jewelry. Another unique focus is de Vera jewelry incorporating rare antique elements such as Roman intaglios and Georgian brooches, with precious gemstones including rose-cut diamonds, baroque pearls and Sardinian coral.”
Location: 1 Crosby Street
Sasabune
“Sasabune is a very traditional Japanese restaurant at the Upper East Side with a “Trust Me” menu – you’ll eat what Chef Kenji Takahashi prepares! It’s always a different experience.”
The restaurant is exactly the type of restaurant that we love to talk about and to show people what New York City is about!
It is very small, and décor is very simple.
But, then again, who need fancy furniture to eat well, right? The focus is definitely on the food, that is to-die-for!
They only serve the Omakase, the chef’s tasting menu, so you’ll have to trust and enjoy!
Plus, for drinks be sure to experiment their different sakes. If you’re not sure which one to order, they are always happy to help you pair it with your dishes!
Location: 401 East 73rd Street
BDDW
“BDDW is one of the best spot for amazing furniture. The timeless pieces are handmade and well-crafted, designed by the founder Tyler Hays.”
As we’ve written about BBDW before, if you’re the type that enjoys unique items and want to detach and withdraw from the rest of the crowd that purchase in bigger, well-known stores, BDDW is the perfect place for you.
In addition, all items and idealized and designed by the Founder, Tyler Hays, at his Philadelphia Studio.
Tyler expertise are various, from painter and sculpture, to engineer and a pretty talented builder. The result of these expertise are breathtaking pieces of art works for your home!
Location: 5 Crosby Street
The Beatrice Inn
“The Beatrice Inn is, in my opinion, one of the best places to hang out with great food and cocktails. A footnote on the menu reads “Photography is not permitted”, so just enjoy your food!”
The place is a hot spot for celebrities and is a very high-end chophouse in the West Village.
Ans, as they explain:
“Owned by the lauded Chef Angie Mar, and her partner Melissa Merrill Keary, the Beatrice Inn is the edgy, underground version of the traditional New York chophouse.”
So, if you’re a meat eater, this is definitely a place to go!
Location: 285 West 12th Street
Freemans Restaurant
“I love Freemans. Even though it’s becoming more and more well known, the experience of walking into this suspicious alley it always thrilling. The food is great, as is the crowd!”
And, we also love Freemans, and have featured them before! Along the alley you need to walk though to get to the restaurant, you’ll find a few great graffiti works on the brick walls. Perfect for that Instagram-photo-moment!
At the very, very, very end, you’ll find this beyond charming turquoise blue, wooden door surrounded by countless vases with plants and flowers.
So, just walk in and enjoy!
Location: Freeman’s Alley
Ristorante Morini
“Ristorante Morini is another restaurants with great food and crowd! It’s always one of place I love to go when I’m passing by New York City!”
The place is an upscale neighborhood Italian restaurant serving various seasonal specialties and fantastic old-country wines.
Plus, if you’re the type that enjoys experimenting and tastings. The they explain:
“Ristorante Morini’s beverage program complements the depth and breadth of the menu, with a large emphasis on Italian wine of various selections from Europe and America. The vibrant downstairs bar is host to an inventive cocktail list, crafted by the talented Altamarea Group mixology team.”
Locations: 1167 Madison Avenue
Rare Vintage
“Rare Vintage is a vintage shop with the most amazing gowns! The very best of two centuries of fashion can be found with a highly edited collection.”
You’ll be able to find the very best of two centuries of fashion with a highly edited collection.
The store was founded in 2007 by Juliana Cairone. Juliana is Diane Vreeland’s grand daughter. At a very young age was exposed to amazing pieces of “art” by renowned designs.
Today, most of the items are bought from private collections found in the four major fashion capitals – New York, London, Milan and Paris. Items are unique, in great conditions and were statements in their own decades.
Location: 24 West 57th Street
Milk & Honey
“One of the top secrets in town with the best dry Martini is called Milk & Honey! The bar is “against celebrity-obsessed nightlife” and has a list of strict house rules to follow.”
We just love secret places and we’ve written about other speakeasy spots through out the website.
Not only the experience of searching for it is super exciting, but once you do find it and walk in, it feels like your entering a parallel universe.
Usually they are hidden behind secret doors, or in basements, and even in the back of other venues, that you can access only with a secret code through a little entrance.
We love it!
Location: 134 Eldridge Street
Lastly, Thank you, Natalie, for sharing your best NYC gems tips exclusively with us!!!
Photo Credits: Courtesy of BOF and all the venues
*Last Update on March/2020.*
