Just in time for February, the Four Seasons New York Downtown is taking on an exciting new venture in the form of a rotating Pop-Up Retail space located in The Spa on the third floor. Lifestyle Creative Director, Monica Domantay says about this latest collaboration for guests and residents “We believe in creating experiences to inspire meaningful conversations and by launching The Edit, we are bringing new designers into our space who share in our vision while highlighting the best New York offers in fashion and accessories for our guests.”
The inaugural launch of the Pop-Up will focus on top black-owned brands: Ashya, Coco and Breezy, LAVI NYC, and Miitra. These celebrated indie brands feature unique pieces sure to delight even the most fashion-savvy shoppers.
Ashya
Co-founded by design duo Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece, ASHYA (pronounced “agh-shya”) has been rooted in travel, cultural awareness, and the act of unifying style and utility. This gender-neutral leather goods brand features a stunning array of versatile bags that perfectly blend function and fashion. Coming in a variety of gorgeous leather finishes, key standouts from the collection are the Shema bag which can be styled, as either a slingback backpack or a top-handle bag and the Bolo bag which is uniquely constructed to be worn around the neck. The American & Jamaican designers’ motivation behind the collection is to approach design with effortless mobility and essentialism in mind and to create an “ode to exploration.”
Coco and Breezy
Creativity runs through the veins of twins Corianna and Brianna Dotson. The visual artists and DJs launched their namesake eyewear line in 2009 and have never looked back. Creating statement styles coveted among the music and fashion communities, including their iconic “third-eye” sunglasses for the late entertainer Prince. Original silhouettes in fun vibrant colors are signatures of the line and their gender-inclusive approach to design, creates a company, fast becoming one of the go-to indie eyewear brands. The label has also been tapped for several high-profile collaborations including Teva, Hershey’s, and Ciroc.
LAVI NYC
A family brand created by brothers Ced and Cedel in 2016, this Bronx-based contemporary menswear label encapsulates the Uptown New York spirit. Relaxed but elevated athleisure channels a 70s flair with styles such as the brand’s Elsewhere satin tracksuit. Other offerings from the brand include cool statement tee’s and sweatshirts mixed with more structured pieces like the brand’s Compass work jacket. Growing up around design and creativity, the designer’s father was heavily involved in show business and worked with the now closed Black Fashion Museum in Harlem, which instilled a love for fashion among the brothers. After seeing a void in brands that speak to the real essence of the city, they created a brand focused on experimental and classic silhouettes with unwavering quality.
Miitra
Launched during the peak of the pandemic in March of 2020, designer Dimitra Williams is no stranger to tenacity and determination. She created the line Miitra to empower the spirit through thoughtfully designed pieces and to promote strength, confidence, and self-love with every product offered. Featuring a series of stunning silk scarves, the line’s aesthetic is clean, modern, and minimal with statement messages of positivity and hope always remaining the focus of the design of each piece.
The Edit is open Monday–Friday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
