NYC Shopping: The Young Designers Market

The Young Designers Market (YDM) has become one of my favorite places to shop in NYC. Located in SoHo, the market is a collection of independent designers selling their creations in a barebones gym set up. Imagine an indoor flea market, except instead of used knick knacks, you have brand new jewelry, scarves, purses and t-shirts (mostly jewelry), usually designed/made by the people selling it. Designers' styles range from hippie chic to ultra trendy to delicate and cute. The prices are also mostly better than retail since the designers probably make a higher margin selling their pieces here than through boutiques/stores.


In summary, I'm a big fan of the YDM because they offer more unique designs than retailers at lower prices -- it's like Etsy with no shipping costs and immediate gratification =P A must go to place if you're shopping in SoHo! I know this place definitely targets the female population, but it's also a great place for you guys to pick out something unique for the females in your life (I saw a lot of guys there buying jewelry!)

There are signs that you're not allowed to take photos inside so I snuck a quick one here!

Read on for more details on my favorite YDM regulars, what I've picked up there recently and for more info/directions!


Some reviews on Yelp talk about pushy vendors, but I've shopped with a few designers that have always been friendly. Here's a quick summary of my favorites:

• Every time I visit the YDM, I always end up buying pieces from Fioria Jewelry. This happened again last Sunday when my roommate and I ended up buying 7 more pieces from them! Their jewelry is very well made and resemble pieces you'd find at BR, J. Crew and Ann Taylor (except you don't, making it much more unique!). The owners are super friendly and if you shop there enough (like we do), they are even kind enough to offer a frequent customer discount. Most items range from $20-40. Here are some of the things I've picked up from there so far. Also, the website doesn't do the jewelry much justice -- her pieces look much better in person and she also has tons of new stuff that's not on there.

Left: Me and Tiff's goods from Fioria -- we spent a lot of time narrowing down our choices

Right: Dark crystal and gold rope that Jenny (designer) told me to pair with this pearl necklace. I also use the crystal and gold rope as a bracelet and it's very eye catching

Dark jeweled gold necklace and gold rhinestone bracelet ($80)

My other roommate got the same bracelet in silver

Thanks Janice for modeling =)

Tri-color Scarf Necklace ($35 online)

• Another great designer there is Chameleon by Jennifer Young. We picked out some beautiful earrings for Janice's birthday (we already gave it to her =P) and I also got this summery daytime necklace. Prices for most pieces are $15-30.

Gold rhinestone studded medallion pendant ($25)

• I also like Marc Bernstein's edgy triple wrap bracelets. They are more expensive (I think around $60 at YDM, $80 on his website), but I think quite unique!

Anyway, you should visit for yourself and I'm sure you'll find a designer that suits your taste!

---
Thanks to Veronica for first introducing me to the YDM!

The Market NYC
268 Mulberry Street
Between Prince and Houston
Saturday and Sunday
11am - 7pm
Website
Yelp Reviews

Subway
Downtown Bleecker St-Lafayette St (6, B, D, F, V)
Prince St (R, W)
Bowery (J, M)


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