New York locals and tourists have one thing in common; both will scour the city looking for that one best-kept-secret store with a variety of cool and unique pieces. Dear: Rivington has that to offer and so much more. This SOHO hot spot, tucked away on Rivington Street, isn’t your average tourist attraction. Posh avant garde separates, couture-esque gowns, and luxurious coats from coveted Japanese designers like Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto, as well as a wide selection of vintage furniture pieces and accoutrements make this NYC boutique a popular spot for those looking for something special.
We spent an afternoon with owner Moon Rhee (and his terrier Dumbo), to get the skinny on all things DEAR to them.
How long have you had your LES location on Rivington?
MR: 3 and half years now.
Can you talk a bit about the exchange of American and Japanese style and how the cultures influence each other?
MR: I find Americans– especially New Yorkers– are very practical when it comes to style since people here usually walk a lot. The lifestyle here calls for fashion that’s comfortable.
What inspires you as a store owner (either in buying avant garde merchandise, the aesthetic of your store, etc)?
MR: As you can see, we don’t do anything trendy. Our concept for the store and what we sell is about contrasting forces, for example mixing old with new. That’s why we have black and white decor, it makes the space modern even though we do have lots of vintage garments and antique furniture.
What can you find in your store that you can’t find anywhere else in NY?
MR: Most of the stuff we carry in our store is only available here, including our label DEAR:.
Why did you decide to sell furniture at the store as well?
MR: I have been collecting antiques for about 15 years, just because I love them. I never meant to make a business out of that, but little by little I started selling interesting pieces I found and then noticed one day, it had become a business.
What are some of the best brands you are selling right now?
MR: Of course our label, DEAR:, including our in-house jewelry line. but we are also very into 80′s Japanese avant garde designers like Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, etc.
What’s up next for the store?
MR: We are now into interior decoration.
