Sales & Shopping

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• November 14, 2008
• Just Opened

Just Opened: Smith + Butler Redefines the Idea of Biker Chic

By Sarah Moroz, Photos by Olivia Jade Horner

New-shop-on-the-block Smith + Butler is proud of the community it belongs to. Opening next Monday (officially), the store embodies the kind of easy-going elegance that is at the heart of Brooklyn and many of its loyal inhabitants. Named in honor of the corner it's located on, BK is as much a part of the store as the merch. Much like her Montauk boutique, Tauk, shop owner Marylynn Piotrowski has filled it with forever classics and modern staples alike. "Tauk is the young surfer crowd," Marylynn says of her first shop. "And Smith + Butler is the grown-up version…it's for the person who still loves to be active but wants some polish, too." Here, labels include Wrangler, A.P.C., Woolrich, and Barbour, to name a few. Local talent has also been tapped, such as yet-undiscovered Save the Manimal—an inspired brand of moccasin boots and leather accessories locally made in Park Slope.

But what really makes Smith + Butler stand apart from its fashion neighbors? Motorbikes. That's right. Vintage '70s Triumphs are for sale on consignment, fusing a design showcase/market feel. Thanks to the influence of shop co-owner Jay Alaimo (a savvy bike collector), the surfer can switch to the open road with a little nod to Steve McQueen. While playing off the working-class roots of nearby Red-Hook, Smith + Butler is also quite classic—housed in a 100-year-old building with oversized doors and windows, the space also has high ceilings, and antique furnishings were plucked from upstate further lend a certain Americana feel. Now, all that's left to complete the easy rider reverie: A shimmering red bike helmut, which, in our opinion, is so cool and beautiful we'd sport it on any bike (with or without motor).





Smith + Butler, 225 Smith Street (at Smith Street), Brooklyn; 718-855-4295.