Shop ‘til You Drop–Michele Varian NYC

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

What a way to start! Our very first event for #BlogTourNYC was a meet up at designer Michele Varian’s eclectic and inspiring Nolita shop, where I finally got the chance to say ‘hi’ to my fellow BlogTourees. And what a bunch of lovable drunks er, inspiring and talented people they turned out to be.

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

We got a chance to chat at length to Michele, whose eponymous shop showcases not only her own gorgeous textiles, wallpapers and home accessories, but also promotes home accessories and jewellery by other local artisans and designers.

Her shop is one of those places that draws you in gradually – as you wander through a series of exquisitely styled vignettes uncovering ever more fascinating and unusual pieces. I could have spent a very long time here indeed without getting bored, though I’m not sure my wallet could have coped.

Come and take a walk with me.

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Even though we were nowhere near Portlandia there were many cute birds on display. Michele’s gilded bird wallpapers are absolutely exquisite.

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

And obviously, long-time readers of this blog will know that I really wanted that big wooden owl. (Are owls still a thing?)

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

As became a common occurrence throughout BlogTour the prosecco was flowing freely. Michele served hers in glorious collection of vintage Berber glasses (which everyone was trying to buy). They looked so pretty, but I was evidently too drunk to take a photo, so you’ll just have to believe me. She’s got me scouring Etsy and Ebay for my own collection though.

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

I was fascinated by this ‘Juxtaposed Porcelain’ collection, where Eastern and Western design traditions are fused together in a single piece.

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com
Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com
Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com michelevarian-24

Michele Varian NYC photography by www.paolathomas.com

If you’re ever in NYC I can’t recommend a trip to Michele’s 27 Howard Street shop highly enough. For those of you who, like me, don’t get there often enough, Michele’s online store is  a treasure trove of fabulosity.

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Comments

  1. Bianca says

    Love the gold and copper images on the grey background wallpaper (“Michele’s gilded bird wallpapers”). I’ve always like the tension between deep grey…say, Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe paint colour, offset with antiqued gold details. I especially love these colours in velvet and linen fabrics.

    • says

      Bianca, in that case you would ADORE this shop. It was all about dark greys and beiges with lots of metallic accents. I thought the colour palette was really sophisticated and unusual. Downpipe is a glorious colour…

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