Travel & Guides

With a collection of designers and brands that would rival a store three times its size, Seven has managed to reinvent itself in its SoHo space while remaining true to its roots. "Our old space was ambitious, naïve We wanted to blend in with the neighborhood without compromising our integrity," says co-owner Joseph Quartana. "We really wanted it to look clean."

Along with partners Steve Sang and John Demas, the trio took almost two years to create the space they wanted. "We engineered as much as we designed it. Nothing's arbitrary--everything has a function," Joseph says. Following a Buddhist concept of circularity, women enter the store to the right, working their way clockwise, which signifies creation because women are "the creative creatures who bring life to the universe".

The inspiration for the boutique came about from years of travel to stores all over the world; the streamlined layout is enhanced by the sleek black mirrored wall (which deftly hides the dressing rooms that are tucked behind it) and the store's only lighting focuses exclusively on the garments and mannequins.

And as captivating as the store is, it is the garments that really draw attention. With a selection of pieces by Preen, Bernhard Willhelm, and Obesity and Speed, as well as a number of one-of-a-kind pieces by Imitation of Christ, the clothing reflects a bit of the outrageous. "I like to buy the essence of the designer," explains Joseph. "I'm not afraid to buy the pieces that might scare other buyers." Knowing the tastes of his clientele, Joseph has succeeded in creating a shop that caters to the eclectic.