Profile

Past the soot-black storefront and the purple flag fluttering above the front door, Anna Sui's unconventional store packs rock-and-roll edge, Prohibition-era glamour, and cabaret dancer-sensuality into one alluring room. In the front, customers browse the cosmetics counter and a row of antique black-lacquered tables showcasing Sui's modern art deco jewelry designs. Under the blaring hard rock soundtrack and framed rock band posters, Sui's signature petite-framed floral and eyelet dresses—many accented with black lace or ruffle details—hang neatly in the shop's center, while in the corners, brightly-hued mohair jackets and oversized, hand-detailed purses hang on silver coat racks in spontaneous fashion, as if in a downtown doll's boudoir. Back by the old Hollywood-gone-Goth fitting rooms, find an impressive display of vintage-inspired peep toe pumps in nearly every texture and print imaginable. Anna Sui's cosmetics and fragrance are the most sought after items in the store. The line includes glittery eye shadows in bright 80s palettes like lemon yellow, turquoise, and hot pink, plus bold nail polish colors. — Molly Noonan