• Kirna Zabête

  96 Greene St., 212-941-9656

  When shopping for a party dress, many seek to satisfy a diametric opposition: Is there one that is both unique and classic? Something that will catch the eye this season and still look fresh next year? Kirna Zabête, the chipper Soho boutique, is more likely than most to resolve such dilemmas. It’s a friendly store, with a staff that’s helpful, sensitive, and passionate about the art of accessorizing. The selection strikes a healthy balance between trendy and sane: The store carries a seriously fashion-forward list of labels (Chloé, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Behnaz Sarafpour) but buys carefully from the collections, with a skilled eye toward what is wearable, keepable, and flattering to a range of ages and sizes.

From the 2006 Best of New York issue of New York Magazine