Spacial, Etc. Type of Place: Women's Clothing Description: In the Nineties, Russell Steinert had a woodshop in Williamsburg from which his wife, Janice Stemmermann, held occasional sample sales for her knit-design line, Brooklyn Handknits. As the decade progressed, they sensed that the industrial neighborhood was ready for more retail shops—after all, it had so few. Talk about a good hunch: They opened Spacial Etc. in 1998, moved it across the street to its current location 5 years ago, and have seen it become a hugely popular stop amid the restaurant-and-shop-filled bustle that the Bedford Avenue area is today. The spirit of Williamsburg old and new is present in the lovely, light-filled shop and its inventory, which ranges from clothing and shoes to notebooks and pens. Stemmermann's handmade knitware is still very much around, with a fall and spring line of charming knits (ponchos, scarves, mittens, sweaters, etc.). For those who remember the area's hardscrabble days but have recently found themselves in possession of one its many newly built luxury condos, there are, for example, handsome J.Fold wallets ($45). We especially got a kick out of one stamped with "Plaza de la Revolucion, Habana, Cuba" in large letters—you might be carrying various high-limit credit cards, but that doesn't mean you have to be entirely comfortable with them. We were crazy about the psychedelically patterned plastic dishware from Jackie Shapiro for French Bull, especially the trays ($24) and serving pieces ($12.50 for 2 pieces). And we likewise adored the "Slice of Brooklyn" soaps ($6) from the Bubble Roome—handmade in Brooklyn and named for its various neighborhoods, with regional info on the packages and scents cooked up to match (the Coney Island soap features aromas of cotton candy, wafflecones, bubblegum, cocoa butter, and marshmallos!). A Bianca Branaman sash dress ($116)—soft, swingy, and pretty but casual, in inviting, happy-looking solid shades—will be perfect for the upcoming warmer days, at Coney Island or anywhere else. A glance at the shop's guest book told of recent visitors from Boston, Los Angeles, and even (gasp) Manhattan—proving that these days, the Brooklyn/Manhattan leisure-time flow definitely goes both ways. Steinert and Stemmermann still live in Williamsburg; and those around for it will be thrilled to know that they're holding a Spacial, Etc. sample sale on March 19 and 20, from 10–6, at 155 Powers St (L train to Lorimer Ave; or, it's an easy walk from the shop). -Pamela Grossman; March 15, 2004 Spacial, Etc. 199 Bedford Ave. @ North 6th St. Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718)-599-7962 |
