One of my favorite things to do is to spend time in New York. Living on the east coast makes it possible and it’s only a 80 to 90 minute train ride. Recently I had a grand time by myself doing a little exploring. Most of the time I stay in the confines of the garment district but this time I ventured a little farther. I arrived in the afternoon with some family visiting from Ireland. It was pouring rain and with little time we decided to visit MOMA. It was suggested we visit the 4th floor where we were allowed to take pictures. Here is a brief selection that we saw.

I did’t quite get this last one. I just know I used one today to shovel my driveway!

The next day, having said goodbye to my brother who was returning to Ireland, my first stop was the Fashion Institute of Technology on 7th ave and 27th. I wanted to visit the book store to browse but it was a big disappointment. There were a lot of out of date books on display and even the text books for the students were not very exciting. I don’t need any but one can always look, right?
There are always interesting exhibits there, and to my surprise, because I did not do any research, I was able to see the current “Trend.ology” exhibit that is on until the end of April. It’s always fun to see the garments up close. Here is a description of the event.

https://www.fitnyc.edu/21786.asp

I spent about an hour there and then set out walking towards Lexington Ave. It’s about 5 long blocks but it was all new to me and it was a beautiful day so I enjoyed every moment. Between 6th and 7th I came across a tiny store selling leather and went in for a look. Inside was an old Jewish man with a long gray beard and he had to be over 80yrs old. I told him I wanted some small pieces to try and experiment and he was so helpful. The store was narrow but filled to the roof with lots of printed leather and remnants and full size pieces in every color. He also had hardware for making leather bags. Nothing had a price on it but I had to buy some so I chose 2 small pieces that I probably paid too much for, but it was worth it for the experience. I have not worked with leather so I am excited to give it a try. I wanted to take Aaron’s picture but he declined. The store is called Aaron’s Leather on 154 w.27th st. This is what I bought.

Walking towards my final destination I enjoyed some people-watching and took these pictures for fun.

I was not stressed do I did not have pie.

I think I have been going the wrong way on 7th ave.

My destination at 30th and Lexington was Dover Street Market. When I was visiting my son in London last year I found the original market and was so excited to see it had arrived stateside. The market, the brainchild of Rei Kawakubo, pairs young designers with well established ones to fill 7 floors of creative genius. If you get the chance it’s so worth the visit. I overheard a very glam New York lady say “How can I ever shop anywhere again?!”
I took (in a sneaky way)a few pictures, but check out the link to get a really good feel for the place.

http://ny.racked.com/archives/2013/12/23/the_top_10_most_important_things_to_know_about_the_dsm_opening.php
After quite a while there I started back to the fabric district after stopping for a Starbucks coffee to revive myself.
I made my first stop at Mood which is always fun but as I was looking for specific fabric for a client I stayed focused and did not but anything for myself. I have a few favorite stores mostly on 39st. and I did find what I was looking for. There is so much to see it’s almost better to have an idea of what you want as it keeps you focused. Of course its very easy to ignore you plan and come home with amazing treasures.
I am finding great places to explore in NY all the time and will definitely seek out some more. To be continued!