Bleecker Street: An alternative to New York's 5th Ave

We all know 5th Avenue in New York is the centre of the shopping universe, but Quentin Long explores the Big Apple’s other shopping precinct.

You know: 5th Avenue

Okay, 5th Avenue is the most amazing strip of shopping streets in the world.
The department stores and shops are A-list: Bergdorf Goodman, Saks et al, plus the boutiques; Tiffany’s flagship store, Prada, Armani, Diesel, Nike Town and every the brand under the sun.

You should also try: Bleecker Street

Bleecker is just north of Soho but runs roughly east-west (it heads due south from the edge of the Meatpacking District, heading eastward through Noho and Nolita before ending at the Bowery).
The section north of Soho is more famous for its clubs and comedy venues that launched people like Bill Cosby, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen (at Café Wha, which is just off  Bleecker, but let’s not quibble).
It’s also where Alicia Keys lives. But to the shopping…

Keep the credit card handy at these must-visit Bleecker Street shops:

Jean Michel Cazabat:
Amazing shoes and one-off designs; very high-end, good for a window shop.
Alexis Bittar:
Cool modern jewellery.
Lulu Guinness:
Amazing bags you just can’t get anywhere else.
Sandro:
Hot high fashion, latest looks from Paris.
Bond No. 9:
Amazing perfumery.
Jack Spade:
Preppy relaxed menswear and accessories.
James Perse:
Same as Jack Spade, but less sophisticated.
Zadig and Voltaire:
Upmarket and really quite funky French designs from the grandson of the founder of Lacoste.
Sucre Jewellery:
One-offs that are amazing accessories and jewellery that won’t break the bank.
Pinky Otto:
Really cute women’s wear and so worth a look.
And some known and available names in Australia: 7 for All Mankind, denim; MAC, make-up; Burberry and Burberry Brit; Jo Malone; Michael Kors; NARS; and Marc Jacobs.

Refuel at:

You have got to try a NYC pizza at some stage so try John’s on Bleecker Street or a cool bar such as Blind Tiger.