Another welcome addition to the Soho menswear roster, we finally found our way down to the new Oliver Spencer store located on Berwick Street. Regulars to the area will recognise this as the former site of Textile King fabrics however the interior has received a complete overhaul and the space has a very different feel to its predecessor. Following on from Lambs Conduit Street Stores, this is a wood heavy affair – old school desks, firewood, cabinets, heavy benches – parquet even finds itself lining the walls. A great space put together with attention to detail and a good eye.

Photography: Ross Trevail

Click to take the tour

There are certain advantages to staying in a hotel located in New York City’s SOHO district. Outside of the location itself, which puts the guest in the center of one of the stronger shopping experiences in the city,  SOHO hotel like the new Mondrian SOHO, guarantee some unique views of the city, not often seen from midtown or uptown hotels (see photo above from the 19 floor if you don’t believe us).

The new Mondrian SOHO, part of the Morgans Hotel Group,  provides guests with a unique hotel experience inspired by Jean Cocteau’s film, “La Bell et la Bete.” Designer, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz used the film and theme to design a hotel experience that floats in and out of a modern “fantasy” of  blue;  a color that not only offers a calming  feeling but also one that welcomes you. I never expected a color to do so.

For those that prefer a more neighborhood-friendly hotel experience just shy of all the action, the Mondrian SOHO may be the choice for you. Mr. Noriega-Ortiz gave us a walking tour through the new Mondrian SOHO. Here’s out look.

Photography: Selectism.com

More looks after the click.

The latest property from the Morgans Hotel Group opens doors in the SoHo district of NYC. The Modrian SoHo is also their property downtown. “This 270 room hotel will see fantasy meet sophisticated chic through the distinctive vision of Benjamin Benjamin Noriega Ortiz, who also re-imagined Mondrian in Los Angeles and will boast incredible views of Manhattan… Inside Mondrian, the hotel will launch its highly anticipated seafood restaurant Imperial No. Nine located just off the hotel lobby where lauded Chef Sam Talbot will introduce his interpretation of sustainable seafood with a 180-seat restaurant.” The Mondrian promises “unrivaled” views of Manhattan. We’ll have to see for ourselves.

Uniqlo once again proofs its innovative character. A while back we were impressed with the opening of their first UT store, selling t-shirts out of vending machines. Today we present you another great addition to Uniqlo stores – Wakamaru.

It is the first robot ever to be featured in a retail store environment, will be joining the UNIQLO team the second week in September. Designed by Toshiyuki Kita and developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), wakamaru is neither human or machine; it is the first creation of its kind.  wakamaru’s capabilities include eye contact, basic conversation, ability to recognize people and greet them, voice recognition, and basic arm movements. wakamaru will hold a unique role in the UNIQLO store.  It will lead staff in motivational morning exercises, communicate promotions to customers, as well as greet customers upon entrance into the store.

In about a weeks time you will be able to meet wakamaru in the Uniqlo Soho store.

Y’s Mandarina (you know, that accessories line of Yohji Yamaoto and Mandarina Duck) has begun to build up that cult following type of vibe and is expanding stateside with a retail space set to open in New York’s SOHO district. WWD reports thatthe store front will boast 2400 sq/ft of room and should be open this fall.

DNR is reporting that Selectism favorite, Aloha Rag, is opening a shop in NYC. “Aloha Rag, the Honolulu, Hawaii–based store known for its mix of hip, urban, men’s and women’s apparel and accessories, is surfing the Soho wave. The company had a soft opening earlier this month of a 2,400-square-foot store at 505 Greenwich Street near Spring. The company, whose biggest men’s brands include Maison Martin Margiela, Lanvin and Ann Demeulemeester, has been in business in Hawaii since 1990. An e-commerce site, Aloharag.com, launched in 2003, with English and Japanese versions.”