openings, alphabet city
Now Open: Absolute Beginners on 9th Street
We found our way to the bowels of Alphabet City this weekend (ok- full disclosure: one of us lives there) to visit it's brand new tenant, Absolute Beginners. The modest shop is aptly titled as the designers and owners happen to still be working their way through Parsons classes. When we spoke to part-owner (1/3 of the trio), Rebecca Lesesne about her choice to embark on a retail venture before graduation in an economy that causes anxiety in even the most jaded New Yorker, she seemed relatively excited that such a time had presented an opportunity like this. And the students have done the opportunity justice.
Inside the store, you get the feeling that you have happened upon a shop that a true fashion insider would readily embrace. Enough so to make the prospect of leaving without something kind of feel like a wardrobe injustice since all clothing and accessories appear to be one of a kind (and likely most are). All 3 students: Lesesne and partners, Michael DiPietro and Alex Parkin have distinct points of view, yet the scrappy and rather bare bones decor presents the perfect backdrop for harmonizing the wares. You would suspect that such merchandise would carry a hefty price tag but such is, thankfully, not the case. Most items retail below $200 and several were under the $100 mark.
We're anticipating a killer graduation party next spring.
Absolute Beginners is located at 616 E. 9th St. between Avenues B and C
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