WHIMSY IN THE CITY
Claudine Is The
West Village's
Most Eclectic Boutique By Maria Tettamanti
We're sure you've swiped your MasterCard at Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren on New York's Bleeker Street - but have you stopped by Claudine yet? Well, you should. Located at 19 Christopher Street, this eclectic boutique is anything but run of the mill. One peep inside and you'll feel like you're in a lost-and-found full of kitschy, cool clothes and knickknacks.
The genius behind Claudine happens to be 33-year-old Korean-American Kyung Lee, who also owns a sister store (an older one, at that) by the name of Albertine just down the block. So what's with the cool store names ending in "ine"? "Albertine and Claudine are the names of the sisters from one of my favorite films, Bonjour Tristesse by Otto Preminger," says Lee. As for opening a shop in the West Village, Lee says, "I was looking around for a while for the perfect location and Christopher Street just popped up on me - there weren't many retail shops when I went in, which really appealed to me." Lee also liked the idea that Claudine is located inside a landmark building, giving off a chill Euro vibe.
Stepping into Claudine, it's apparent Lee wanted to channel the West Village's quainter traditions, but with a quirkier twist, that is. So what's with the zany decor? "It all started from an antique cigar box and suitcase I found awhile back," Lee says. You'll find random text on the walls by graphic artist Kevin Landwehr and antique furniture from upstate New York and the Chelsea flea market. You'll also find yourself scratching your head, pondering, "What on Earth?"
And while Claudine carries both men's and women's clothing (from young, independent designers), it also houses one-of-a-kind jewelry and art (from offbeat talent, of course). Clothing designer standouts include Luxury Jones, Show Pony, Christina Hattler and Lincoln Mayne. And yes, we know you've probably never heard of these folks, but that's precisely the point. These innovative designers make killer silkscreen tees, hoodies, caps, shawls and cotton jersey dresses. On the jewelry front, there's a menagerie to choose from. Take your pick from In God We Trust multi-chain necklaces, Shana Tabor antique charms, Made Her Think trinkets and Nabi Jewelry pieces. With price points ranging from $45 to $400, you may just be able to leave the plastic at home.
One also can't help but notice the unique art adorning the boutique. Yes, that's for sale too. Colorful handmade decoupage plates by Carol Kaas are just begging to be brought home. Paintings by Ruby Palmer are just what the doctor ordered for that blank wall in your pad. So come on, buy something unpredictable. Your friends will be jealous you beat them to it.
A keen collaboration of artists and designers, Claudine captures the whimsical, lovable, sexy city girl in a relaxed shopping environment. We're especially psyched to know there was a third sister in Lee's fave film. Her name was Leontine. We wouldn't want to jinx it, but we're totally feeling a triple threat on Christopher Street.
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