Passion Points: Style

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In 2009, Manhattan boutique Kirna-Zabête will celebrate its tenth anniversary but the feisty fashion emporium shows no signs of age. The fun, expertly-edited haute designs are as inspired as ever—big names like Stella McCartney, Azzedine Alaia and Nina Ricci effortlessly share the space with up-and-comers like Parisian David Szeto. Add to that an ever-changing trove of funky accessories and you have a unique place that gives fashionistas that distinct kid-in-a-candy-store feeling (for those with a real sweet tooth, the counter holds a small dish of gummy bears and gum balls).
Sarah Easley and Beth Buccini, the power-duo behind the sleek, two-level store, are former sorority sister and, more important, kindred style spirits (Easley worked for Ines de la Fressange and Christian Lacroix; Buccini is the former fashion editor for New York magazine). They spend much of their time scouring fashion shows and design houses worldwide, hunting and gathering for their New York and Tokyo boutiques. At the end of the month, they are planning on launching their largest endeavor yet: a Web site where fans of the store can purchase the inspired pieces of the collections, as well as find styling and beauty tips. Indagare spoke to Easley (nicknamed Kirna) and Buccini (nicknamed Zabête) about the upcoming launch and some of their favorite places around the world.
What are your favorite travel destinations and why? Beth: I love Capri and Virgina. Sarah: For me, it’s Paris and Montauk.
What’s not to miss in these spots? Beth: On Capri, go for sangria-soaked lunches right off the boat at La Fontalina and for dinner at Da Paolino, right in a lemon grove. Also, La Scalinatella hotel has the best food anywhere. In Virginia, I adore Chicks Oyster Bar (757/481-5757) in Virginia Beach, which is the perfect southern seafood dive right on the water.
Sarah: In Paris, I love to go running in Luxembourg Gardens, shopping at the flea markets, lunch at Café Marly and late dinner at the Hôtel Costes. In Montauk, there’s early sunset dinner outside at Duryea’s (duryealobsters.com), hiking in Roosevelt Park and tennis at Montauk Downs (www.montaukdowns.org), surfing Ditch Plains and breakfast at the Waterside Bakery.
What are some of your favorite stores abroad?
In Paris, we like Maria Luisa, Azzedine Alaïa (18 Rue Verrerie; +33-1-42-72-54-97) and Ladurée’s fancy old fashioned sweets. For something more affordable and cheerful: Du Pareil Au Meme for kids clothing and Maje (www.maje-paris.fr) for grown-ups.
What about favorite shopping streets?
Aoyama in Tokyo : its’ exotic but feels like LA in a comforting way. Also, the Rue du Bac in Paris and, of course, Greene Street in SoHo, because it’s home.
What is your most treasured possession from abroad?
Sarah: Giant twin silver rope cuffs from Tokyo. Beth: A coral cameo pinky ring from Capri.
What is your favorite item of clothing?
Sarah: A Tuleh lime-green print kaftan and an Olivier Theyskens wedding dress. Beth: A green coat from Lanvin, which works day or evening, three seasons a year.
What do you never leave home without?
Beth: a giant crystal necklace by Conscious Jewelry. Sarah: Lately, my prova fringe scarf necklace and Pierre Hardy neopryne tote bag.
What was your last bargain/your latest splurge?
Sarah: A tiny, child-size pink kimono with a matching purse for my daughter, a bargain found in Tokyo. Beth: Mine was a splurge: a 19th-century English locket necklace for pictures of my children
Who are some lesser-known designers you would pick as tomorrow’s big names? Alexander Wang, Elise Overland, Giambattista Valli, Sacai and Davis Szeto.
What inspired the upcoming launch of your Web site and what are some of the special features it will have? Our clients live all over the world, and they have been asking for this for ten years. Our goal is to act as stylists and sales girls on the site. We will reveal what items we personally bought for our own closet and how we wear them (with patent red heels, with pink lip gloss etc). We also try to extend the “mileage” of each piece by offering different ways to wear it (to work, to play, to rendezvous…). We both play many roles: working women, mommies, wives, girlfriends, vacation-lovers…our wardrobe needs are complicated as are those of our clients. On the site, we will address these needs.
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