Maryam Nassir Zadeh

When meandering down a seemingly ordinary block of Norfolk Street on New York’s gritty-chic Lower East Side, it’s absolutely impossible to resist making a stop at designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh's eponymous boutique. The floor-to-ceiling glass storefront entices those afoot with a chic feast for the eyes – there is nothing ordinary about this treasure trove of covetable design, curated by one of the neighborhood’s original high-fashion tastemakers.

A graduate of both the renowned Rhode Island School of Design (she studied jewelry and textiles) and Parsons School of Design (fashion), Zadeh truly understands elevated style – inside and out, head to toe. While she opened her LES boutique over a decade ago, the store has not only survived a difficult era in retail, but has also retained its fresh, youthful appeal. Zadeh’s namesake brand (launched in 2013) is ageless; pieces like her streamlined and superbly stretchy Salma dress work for both a style-savvy mom and her (very cool, very lucky) teen daughter. In addition to the MNZ label, Zadeh’s racks feature a wide range of expertly selected independent designers – a mix of newly established kids on the fashion block (Jacquemus, Eckhaus Latta, Telfar), and some of the buzziest rookie labels in the game (Charlotte Knowles, SC103). It may sound cliché, but there is quite literally something here for everyone.

            

The airy space with bright white walls has the feel of a gallery – but a welcoming one, where wearable art like sculptural Simona Vanth sandals are on display. Look for one-of-a-kind finds like SC103’s custom “links” tote bags (cleverly and mindfully hand-crafted from deadstock leather - and made in New York!) among the smartly edited racks of this spacious boutique.

We dare you to stroll by 123 Norfolk, catch a glimpse of yourself in the reflective facade, and not be lured inside.

           

Product photos courtesy of Maraym Nassir Zadeh.