Yu
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Type of Place: Women's Clothing
Description:
" 'Yu' means 'warm water' in Japanese. The idea was for this store to be soothing, like bathtime," explains Ryoko Hatogai, a sales assistant at this charming Ludlow Street boutique. Indeed, the shop's unpretentious sense of style is soothing--but given Yu's dedication to art within fashion, I'd describe it as inspiring as well.
The focus here is on up-and-coming designers, some local and some from Ryoko's and owner Eiko Berkowitz's native Japan. I found many things I that haven't seen elsewhere: Cheerfully spring-like skirts by Heidi, in patchworks of complimentary fabrics and embellished with pom-poms, lace and buttons ($240); smocked jackets by PAL in soft beige or brown cotton (from $150); widelegged drawstring pants imported from Japan, in checked and polka-dot prints ($125); cleverly crafted hats by Amy Downs (from $60); and whimsical, artfully reconstructed t-shirts by Natalija ($88).
Special mention should be given to the lovely handmade bags by YouMe, which come with handwritten notes from the designer--adorable, and a bargain at $34. I especially liked a grey felt design decorated with a bright flower and delicate trim, but each bag was covetable. I was also very taken with the gorgeous skeins of knitting yarn ($14), especially after I learned that Eiko made it from start to finish: She actually sheared the wool from the sheep, washed it, dyed it, and spun it herself.
That kind of involvement--and commitment!--seems in keeping with the general spirit here: one of dedicated and personal creativity. Even the photos on the walls, also available for sale, are here by personal connection, having been taken by a Yu customer. Near the door, a postcard hangs to promote The Cats of Mirikitani, a wonderful documentary that has been screening at Cinema Village. Its director and Eiko are friends.
Yu has been in this location for 10 years, and I can only hope it will remain for many more. With its artistic leanings and its welcoming feel, it's the kind of place this city shouldn't lose.
Yu
151 Ludlow St.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 979-9370
Website
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