Shopping in Williamsburg: Vintage, Artisan, and Suzanne Sullivan at Mociun
One Friday evening, I decided to venture into the city on my own. While the greatest New York days involve my husband Steven and my pup Giuseppe, I needed a day of wandering Williamsburg on my own. Back before I met Steven, traipsing up and down the streets of San Francisco on my own was one of my favorite ways to pass time. So it’s been nice experiencing that in New York.
I love the contrast of spending time in Brooklyn after being in Manhattan so often. While Manhattan architecture is impressive in its iconic and colossal feel, a place like Williamsburg brings every corbel and cornice down to the same level to enjoy at a glance.
I couldn’t help but notice this colorful mural of Warhol and Basquiat’s infamous boxing photoshoot by Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra, entitled Fight For Street Art, 2014. The original photograph of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat was taken by Michael Halsband for the poster of a 1985 Warhol and Basquiat exhibition at the Tony Shafrazi gallery in Chelsea, which closed permanently in 2014. It’s since become an iconic piece of pop art history, and this mural cements it further in New York subculture.
Fight For Street Art
North 9th Street and Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Designers Collab.
While walking through the neighborhood, I took a wrong turn, which ended up being a blessing in disguise. I stumbled upon the most beautiful boutique: Designers Collab. Designers Collab is a curated boutique and cafe that features the work of emerging designers and local artisans. I had a great time talking to the co-founder Noel John. It’s very apparent that he and his wife - co-owner Jessica Keller - have a passion for bringing unique finds to this Williamsburg flagship.
When I passed by the jewelry case, what stood out to me the most was this ornate mirrored vanity tray with an intricate hand-painted border. It’s by a Brooklyn-based artist who goes by Mirrors of Magic. You can also see her work in the hand-mirror next to the tray.
I was so excited to take this tray home. It adds a lot of elegance to my vanity, but could also work as a wall mirror. I was also informed that this artist hosts classes where she teaches you how to paint and customize your own mirrors. I hope to take part in a class of hers in the future!
As I was examining the shelves, I was excited to see vases and teacups by Brooklyn-based ceramist Zofi Lipton. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her in the past at her studio. This collection of her ceramics features whimsical legs propped up on the mouths of the vases, and protruding from the bowls of the cups.
Designers Collab
96 N 5th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Le Grand Strip Vintage
Last October, Steven and I came across a fantastic vintage shop called Le Grand Strip Vintage. It is an absolute treasure trove of glamorous and unique vintage finds from dresses and outerwear to jewelry, millenery and even lingerie. It reminds me so much of my Haight Street days.
I remember discovering a rare pair of Inna Cytrine earrings in one of the jewelry cases, and falling madly in love with them. Steven bought them for me as a birthday gift, and I knew I had found a new favorite store in Brooklyn.
Just like last time, I got the chance to geek out about the vintage finds with the manager, Alexandra Blair. One of these days I’m hoping to feature this wonderful boutique in a more thorough manner, because the photos I took do not do justice how exciting it is to be in there, surrounded by iconic designer pieces, as well as inspirational finds from all over the world.
Le Grand Strip Vintage
197 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Mociun Suzanne Sullivan Event
It was finally time for the event that beckoned me to Williamsburg in the first place: Suzanne Sullivan’s ceramic works being showcased at Mociun.
Suzanne Sullivan is an artist who works mostly in porcelain. She designs everyday objects in her signature fashion, featuring pencilly motifs and geometric patterns in black and white juxtaposed with a metallic gold glaze. It both fit in with, and stood out from all of the wonderful home goods and decor regularly found at Mociun.
The selection on display was vast: Plates, spoons, bowls, vases, platters and pedestals to name a few. The pieces that stood out to me the most were the funky candle holders with almost carrot-esque tapered candles placed in them, as well as the porcelain checkered table lamp. This is Sullivan’s first foray into lighting.
She also had some great objet d’art sculptures of various household items. I also love how immersive they made the display, covering the shelves with paper that mimicked her signature sketch style.
Refreshments were provided at this event, including strong but tasty cocktails by Scribe Winery and Faccia Brutto Spirits, as well as cookies - both sweet and savory - by The Rounds.
The gloriously glossy two-toned cookies have an appearance similar to the black and white cookie. They added more than a pop of color to the table, as well as a minimalistic aesthetic. Teamed with Suzanne Sullivan platters, they stood out in more ways than one. My favorite cookie was the Parmesan Olive flavor of the savory variety.
While I’ve shopped Mociun’s website countless times, I’d never before visited their store. It was just as colorful and glossy as I’d hoped. Filled with all of their signature jewelry, funky and exuberant home goods, and of course the trompe-l'œil sculptures that are meant to look like melted ice cream sundaes and spilled drinks.
On this occasion, I noticed that Mociun carries stone cutlery and serving utensils from Santa Fe Stoneworks, as well as the fascinating Japanese bread lamps by Yukiko Morita. What I love about Mociun is its ability to curate funky and eye-catching items for your home that maintain an elegant appearance, and a luxe feel. Their site always inspires me to add more color into my home!
I didn’t end up getting anything at this event, but I definitely am interested in a lot of the pieces Mociun and Suzanne Sullivan had on offer. I’ve already alerted Steven that the candlesticks are on my wishlist!
Dinner at Juliette
After a long day out and about, it was great to enjoy a plate of scallops at French eatery Juliette. Steven and I typically come here to dine on brunch burgers underneath the light of the atrium. At night, Juliette has very low lighting, and a romantic vibe to it. It put me in a very relaxed mood to drive back home.
Juliette
135 N 5th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11249
Thanks so much for joining me on another Brooklyn adventure. I hope you’ll check out some of these artisans and shops on your next trip to Williamsburg. Until next time!
