New York - November 19, 2008

Collect ’Em All

Dedicated E-mail: American Express Part II

You hearted your new halter dress — until you also saw it on her. And her. And her, too.

Fancy something more unique? Try Brooklyn Collective.

The indie boutique was started in ’04 by clothing designer Tessa Phillips and jewelry maker Rachel Goldberg when they realized that profit-driven shops carried only their most marketable items — leaving their favorite pieces on the cutting-room floor.

So the pair found an affordable storefront and a group of like-minded artists. Now, instead of sharing their frustration, they share rent; utilities; and, most importantly, the showroom floor.

Artists lease space for three-month stints, providing an ever-rotating collection of goods from photography and paintings to clothing and handbags.

Favorites include Jenny Belin’s vintage-inspired paintings, Jess Yam’s one-of-a-kind jewelry, and Tessa Phillips’s finely constructed yet offbeat clothing line.

Up to the Challenge: Brooklyn Collective is one of two winners of The Big Break Challenge, presented by American Express OPEN. DailyCandy and American Express reviewed hundreds of entries, selecting the winners based on appeal to DailyCandy readers, business concept and participation in the OPEN program. Find out about the other winner and finalists here.