From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighborhoods around the world.
This week’s selection has been curated by Lesley Ware, a fashion-as-self-care advocate and maker. Lesley is also the author of five books — her latest, ‘Black Girls Sew’, will be released in June this year.
Lesley’s desire to spread love through fashion led her to develop Art to Ware, a socially conscious pop-up shop where she sells reworked and one-of-a-kind garments by a variety of independent designers. Not only that, Lesley also believes in passing on her knowledge through specialised education programs with several institutions, including Parsons School of Design, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Times Student Journeys and New Visions for Public Schools.
FOR FOOD
“My current favourite is Rolo’s in my neighborhood of Ridgewood, Queens. I started going there during lockdown for carry out and was instantly in love.”
FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
“Everyone is fashionable and there’s good energy on the streets of Williamsburg.”
FOR BOOKS
“Kinokuniya and Bookmarc, both in Manhattan, have fabulous fashion sections.”
FOR WELLNESS
“For wellness in New York City, I head to the Great Jones Spa.”
FOR SHOPPING
“My favourite cities to shop in have to be Tokyo and Milano.”