New York - July 03, 2009

Eight Is Enough

No. 8b Menswear Boutique Opens

In the beginning, there was status quo.

Then the avant-gods pushed the boundaries of fashionable possibilities and created Project No. 8 (known for encouraging innovative designers and their collaborations).

And from her rib was born the man shop, which is named No. 8b.

And the womenswear designers carried at Project No. 8 (Tom Scott, Christian Wijnants, Natalia Brilli, Maison Martin Margiela) would produce merchandise for men.

Great light poured into the white, minimalist corner store, where Rachel Comey (this summer), Hope, Bless, and other things with a Dries Van Noten sensibility stood neatly arranged next to Houdini chairs from a Frankfurt design company (available for order). In the center of the room: a tree, possibly bearing the fruit of knowledge.

Shopkeepers brought forth handsome luggage bags, slender Kostas Murkudis suits, L.G.R. shades, Schiesser underwear, Pyrex cuff links, and more.

And it was good.

No. 8b, 38 Orchard Street, at Hester Street (212-925-5599).