Slightly west of the stiletto circus on Little West 12th, a life-size resin pig marks the entrance to this 5,000-square-foot slaughterhouse-turned-designer-emporium. This American outpost of a booming Japanese chain opened in 2001, at the time selling hats and handbags; these specimens, arrayed in imaginative displays by clerks who are designers themselves, are still among the strongest offerings. Sequined and beaded Jamin Puech totes are reminiscent of a trip to Paris, as are the floppy, woven 40s-style hats with asymmetrical oversize lips created by French milliner Jacques le Corre. London-based Thang-Mawi marries Victorian and punk elements in bold necklaces draped with colored resin droplets, statement pieces collected by shoppers skewing older than Destination’s typical clientele of Pilates-buffed publicists browsing before brunch at Pastis. The ladies love delicate jewelry from young designers like Japanese AF House, while their male companions snatch up stackable silver rings that Parisian Serge Thoraval hand-hammers with philosophic sayings. Clothing ranges from sophisticated wrap dresses by Kenzo designer Antonio Marras to Rio-based Osklen’s surf-inspired casual wear, sold in a converted meat locker that’s connected to the main showroom and set off a ten-foot longboard. — Rose Reis
7.0
"Recommended" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
I can't believe anyone could be disappointed with this store. It is my Favorite in the city. The prices are such that you won't leave with multiple shopping bags but you will find things worth the $ for their exclusivity, one-of-a-kind fabrication and international flair. Everything I have ever bought at Destination I cherish. It is better, cheaper and easier than a trip abroad and it has the added plus of the owner whose taste is parfait! Unfortunately, I live 1000 miles away so it is a real treat when I get to shop there! It is my first shopping "destination" right after I check into the Gaansevoort!
Its too bad when you find that great boutique that has "selective" items and terrible service. I recently recieved a a piece of jewelry as a present that was bought from Destination. Unfortunatly, I do not wear silver I wear gold and so I wanted to exchange my gift for another. To come to find out that in order for me to exchange I must have the reciept, being that it was a present I did not have one. The comment to me was "how do I know it was purchased here and not somewhere else" My comment to her was "isn't this place known for the uniquness" I guess its not so unique if even the sales associate couldn't distinguish.. Did I mention that the jewlry was still within the Destination box gift wrap! GRR!