New York's Meat Market has been the "New" Soho for some time now. The transformation is almost complete. The neighborhood is just about unrecognizable from 5 years ago. 14th Street west of 9th Avenue is just like a mall near you - that is if you are lucky enough is live near a very nice mall! The Apple mega store recently opened. Barneys NY announced they plan to build a full size department store just down the street across from Jeffrey NY. (Jeffrey is the man who put the hood on the map!). Always known to have his finger on the pulse on what is cool - Hotelier Andre Balazs is opening a HUGE Standard Hotel in 09 here as well.
The latest designer to break ground is Matthew Williamson. The British designer will feel right at home down the block from fellow Brits Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen. All three designers are Londoners, but that is about all they have in common. Each has such distinctively different styles. Psychologists could have a field day analyzing "what makes them tick" theories as to what they do. I think it would be an interesting study to read! One is known for oversized knits, one is known for avant garde evening wear, and the third uses wildly colorful prints season after season. Calling Dr. Freud!
While this latest addition does put one more nail in the coffin of my low key Saturday morning plans... it will make the street more vibrant and bring more revenue to the city. Stay tuned......
