New York - November 16, 2009

International Affairs

Babel Fair Boutique

Summers in Ibiza, winters in the Swiss Alps, and lost weekends in Jamaica.

Or, in your case, exotic-subway-smell mornings followed by Talladega Nights.

Just hope you catch Erica Kiang’s travel bug at new globally minded Nolita boutique Babel Fair.

While setting up shop in a playful, clubhouse setting with canary cubbyhole shelving, Kiang’s been racking up frequent buyer miles to find clothes, accessories, and toys that haven’t previously crossed U.S. customs.

Among the souvenirs-for-the-taking: a rabbit fur vest made by a Bolivian craftsman, hammock-like cotton necklaces woven by Brazilian designer Luisa Herculano, and sculptural pumps from Korea’s Heavy Machine.

Kitsch seekers will covet the smells-like-happiness Smiley perfume or gem-encrusted cell phone sticker.

Oh, you know, it’s big in Japan.

Babel Fair, 260 Elizabeth Street, between Houston and Prince Streets (646-360-3685 or babelfair.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Babel Fair