Taking It Up A Notch

A little Spring birdie told us a new boutique has come to town. To TriBeCa actually, and the word on the street is it’s unlike any we’ve seen before. So of course we here at beckiemartina and Joy of Shopping had to check it out. When we arrived at the store, we were greeted by a beautiful, statuesque saleswoman who, after a question or two, summoned the shop creative director Al Abayan from the basement. Abayan emerged swiftly but silently dressed completely in black (down to his leather apron) eager to share his inspiration behind the store. “We offer a fresh, more European perspective on retail, ” says Al. “We like to think of our store as an experience where you can come to dream, smile and have fun again. Our pieces are about luxury, imagination, fantasy, opulence and a touch of brass.” So we took a look around and found the choices, for both men and women, to be sophisticated, chic, and imaginative for sure. Among our favorite pieces were a viola wood and black lizard clutch ($650), a pair of to-die-for 5″ heels ($580), and even some sumptuous housewares such as Japanese towels by Yoshii Foi and a lavender-filled silk eye mask ($75). So if you want to turn it up a bit for your next night out or just feel like you need an escape from your everyday look, Patron of the New might be what you’ve been waiting for. 151 Franklin Street. http://www.patronofthenew.com