WHAT IS REALITY
by Anita Sarko
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| Skinny black BELT featuring a handmade mesh metalwork knot clasp ($195). |
| NYA BLUE (13 8th Ave @ 12th St.) and NYA GREEN (15 8th Ave @ 12th St., 646.340.0442) are twin shops (sometimes fraternal and sometimes identical) nestled along the W. Village/Meatpacking District border. What makes them unique, besides the designers whose offerings are displayed, is that they contain goods that are as eco-friendly as they are celeb-friendly. Oh sure, being kind to the planet is definitely a fave in the high-profile world of CAUSES, but these little stores are from the heart, as opposed to opportunistically latching onto the zeitgeist. There is nothing faux about these side-by-side overstuffed gems that refuse to believe it’s got to be real (no disrespect meant to Sylvester, by the way). |
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| NYA BLUE (All designed by ALEX GUZMAN, except where noted): Ultra Suede RUSSIAN HATS lined with Vegan polyester “fur.” Embroidered with either a salamander or dragon. Available in black or brown ($125). Matching scarves available $125). |
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| Top row, l. to r.: Woven silk FEDORAS with woven silk bands. Middle FEDORA made of felt with chiffon trim ($180). Bottom row: Cashmere modified PAPERBOY HATS ($165). |
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| Ultra Suede WOMAN’S 1920s DERBY HAT lined with Vegan polyester “fur” ($104). |
| Co-owned by Aaron Bond and designer Alex Guzman, NYA Blue began as an alternative jewelry, handbag, accessory and makeup store, while NYA Green, though it also carried accessories, includes clothing. There was a need for both walk-in closet-sized slivers because of the lack of space caused by a red-hot styling business for everything from interiors to Red Carpet assignments. “These are two stores that compliment each other by pulling fashion together.” Explains Bond (Guzman was not in the stores the day of our visit). “As well as doing our lines, we have launched other lines.” Their inspiration lay in the realization that, as far as Guzman and Bond could recognize, there was no place that showed original New York-based designers designing on this level with a “conscience”: Neither animals nor the environment have been harmed in the making of these goods and there is no tolerance for slave labor. |
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| Salamander-embroidered Ultra Suede GLOVES lined with Vegan polyester “fur" ($89). |
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| Big Faux fur HAT with attached scarf and pom-pom ties ($225). |  |
L. Faux fur and man-made resin over fabric BAG. Designed by MARLEY MORETTI ($295). R: Jeweled belts with chain detail and diamante-studded hardware. Made by layering fabric over an Ultra Suede and polyurethane base ($69). |
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| Top row, l. to r.: Silver and black jeweled BELT with chain detail and diamante-studded hardware. Made by layering fabric over an Ultra Suede and polyurethane base ($69); Raw patched reversible silk woven SASH. Available in various colors and mixture of fabrics. Designed by ANAIA ($163); Gold chain-linked woven with polyurethane “patent” BELT ($125). Middle: 1- and 2-inch stretch straps linked together with polyurethane and hardware CINCH BELT ($159). Bottom: Silk velvet with Ultra Suede “STATEMENT BELT” with resin buckle. Buckles come in different colors and patterns. “It’s a heavy belt so it works well with coats.” ($189). |
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| CLUTCH PURSES with metal chain detail. Embossed resin over Ultra Suede. Designed by JESSIE KAHN ($149). |
| “This place is about innovation and fun. Anyone can shop here. We have a price point for everyone. Our designs are in the moderate price range. They are specialty items ... maybe one or two of any piece ... and many pieces are custom-designed.” Naturally, they are not happy with the fashion world’s support of animal pelts. “We had someone in here dripping in fur and she actually bought a fake fur piece.” He laughs. He also points out that all their items that look like patent leather are, in fact, resin or polyurethane. Their custom business really comes into play during awards season, specifically the Tony Awards (“We dressed, styled, did the makeup and all the clothes for 7 years.”), as well as New York-centric personalities, such as the NY 1 anchors and people involved in 30 Rock. For such situations, they build specific custom designs. “It is not inexpensive and not something we always do, but we can.” |
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| Hand-dyed silk RED CARPET GOWN. Available in different colors and hardware. “It’s great because the train is double-sided, so you don’t trip over it.” ($2,500). |
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| “Very popular” Lycra and blend LEGGING TROUSERS ($162). | |
Cut silk velvet BLOUSE ($270); Necklace ($195); Stretch satin SKIRT available either in a pencil or long version. Available in teal, rustic brown or amethyst (shown). Designed by ARUK JVAANI ($225). |
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| NYA BLUE Sales Associate/Stylist MARVIN ROBINSON presents a fuchsia silk-blend woven DRESS ($750). | Knit silk and cotton woven short DRESS. Available in wine (shown), aqua or black with gold or silver thread ($750). |
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| Tree sap resin with polyurethane “patent” HEADBANDS with CLIPS with silver and silver-embossed resin over Ultra Suede details ($49); tree sap resin CUFFS with embossed resin over Ultra Suede details ($39); polyurethane “patent” HAIR CLIPS with silver and silver-embossed detail ($39); tree sap resin with polyurethane “patent” HEADBANDS ($49). | |
Gold silk lace DRESS over a black slip dress ($380). “Can be handwashed or drycleaned. With fine silks like these, use only cold water and Woolite or ORGANIC dry cleaning.” |
| Bond and Guzman also help new designers create collections by steering them towards what is going to be popular and what will sell. “We know how to make it so it will work,” is how Bond explains their ability to creatively direct. This talent also extends to the packaging of whoever enters their shops as customers. “If a person wants to get a job, we know how to get them the job. If an actress’ career is on the skids, we can revamp it through styling. Through our makeup, we can bring back ten years in a modern way, not an old way: How you can look hot for today.” |
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| Metal mesh “special fabric” medium HOBO with a handmade chunky steel chain with beads made of resin and metal, sometimes covered with silk. ($195). | |
Clockwise from top right: Silk PARTY BAG with jeweled details. Available in gold and silver. Designed by ANAIA ($168); BILLFOLDS. Available in an array of colors and finishes ($65); Black MOTORCYCLE POUCH. Can be attached using metal clasp, metal chain or buckled loops. Designed by MERIKTT ($196); Tree sap resin with polyurethane “patent” CLUTCH BAG with metal clasp and chain ($125); Big HOBO resin-embossed Ultra Suede. Silk rayon scarf comes in many patterns and colors and are interchangeable. “All Vegan.” Designed by JESSIE KAHN ($290). |
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| Vegan Polyester “Fur” COLLARS. Available in various colors and closings. Designed by ZEN MOLIRARI ($144). |
| Speaking of which, they are convinced that they will also help you land that elusive special someone. “It’s always in a positive way. People look and feel good when they leave here. And they get what they want!” Including anonymity: Though Aaron did drop some names to illustrate the famous who have used their services, I was strictly forbidden to print them. So, remember that Bond and Guzman are diligent about ALL of God’s creatures being safe from harm in every way! And you will be astounded at the craftsmanship involved in everything stuffed into these two blink-and-you’ll-miss stores. Nothing here screams, “Fake.” Even PETA might need to hesitate before flinging that next bucket of red paint. |
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| IN-STORE MAKEUP DISPLAY: Lip glosses/Lipstick/Mascara ($19); Foundations ($46); “Very popular” MIST: Beginning Spray ($23); “Very popular” SATIN SLIP Foundation Primer ($48); “Very popular” BAMBOO CONCEALER ($28); Eyeshadows ($28) “I have lots of shades"; Blushes ($37); Bronzes ($25-$50). “The price depends on the size, if it’s refillable and if you’re getting a brush"; Brushes ($25-$45). “These are lifetime brushes. We have both regular and Vegan varieties; “Very popular” Brow Gel ($19); Eye and Lip Liners ($19). “There are various formulas and packaging and a wide variety of colors.” |
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