Helianthus

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This venue is closed.

F.I.T. grad Grace Wang stocks her selective boutique with dresses, skirts, and accessories from more than twenty emerging and established designers, including favorites like Bensoni, Dallin Chase, and Mocium. “Helianthus” means sunflower in Greek—Wang’s favorite flower—and she creates a cheery, inviting atmosphere with a cushy central seating area (usually occupied by chatty NYU students) and pop hits playing overhead. The selection ranges from casual tees from Karen Walker and What Comes Around Goes Around to glam cocktail dresses from brands like Christopher Deane, Revolver, Graham & Spencer, and Ulla Johnson. The mix also includes lines from Europe and Japan, which Wang scouts on bi-annual trips to Asia. Although the apparel lining the pink walls shows off Wang’s nearly encyclopedic knowledge of contemporary designers, one-of-a-kind items from an unknown labels and a cache of unusual accessories sets the boutique apart from Soho label mongers. The attention-grabbing jewelry collection consists mainly of offbeat finds from Japan, like crystal-studded earrings shaped like cats, airplanes, and horseshoes. — Lauren Murrow