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New York City has more stores than anyone could physically tackle, but somehow we always keep returning to the usual suspects. To break out of the rut, we've asked some local shopping and fashion gurus to provide their hidden retail gems—those unique stores around our fantastic city that we might not all know about. Cue the Beatles: We're about to get a little help from our friends.
Image via Apartment Therapy
Brian Ferry is a Brooklyn-based freelance photographer whose work focuses on mood-driven, exploratory photos. He shoots interiors and spaces, travel, food and lifestyle stories for clients and collaborators such as Freunde von Freunden, Bon Appetit, Wilder Quarterly and Brooklyn Magazine. His work has been exhibited in Los Angeles and in London, and a limited-edition book of his photographs was published by Lawson's Books in November 2011. Here, he shows us his favorite place to browse in Tribeca.
Truth be told, the only thing I've ever bought at Mondo Cane in Tribeca is an all-black, special edition of Andy Beach's "Depressingly Awesome" poster. It was included in a recent show curated by Lulu Wolf called "Under 500" (amazing work by talented artists and designers, all priced under $500). But every time I step into Mondo Cane, I leave feeling inspired (and wishing my bank account balance was higher).
The owner, Patrick Parrish, has an incredible eye for unusual and interesting items of furniture, objects, art, and books. His quirky yet impeccable taste is reflected throughout the beautiful space, and I think this is why it feels refreshingly different from other places that sell 20th century furniture and objects. Patrick has frequent exhibitions, too (a recent favorite was his collection of kids chairs from the 20th century). Of the many things sold here, I'm currently obsessed with the Seven Stacked Benches from the talented contemporary designer firm RO/LU. I always learn something new while I'm in the shop, too—and there aren't many other shopping experiences in NYC that I can say that about.
· Mondo Cane [Official Site]
· Brian Ferry [Official Site]
· All Shopping Confidential Posts [Racked NY]