By Drew Taylor
Watchmaker and artisanal leather goods label Shinola had plenty to celebrate last Thursday, with the launch party for their first New York boutique coinciding with the start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Once best known as a maker of shoe polish, the Shinola brand has experienced a total resurrection over the last two years under the guidance of Fossil Group founder Tom Kartsotis, who sought to create a luxury watch that could be assembled by hand in the United States.
Since then, the collection has expanded to include accessories (everything from buttery leather weekenders to wallets), journals and other paper gifts sourced from sustainable forests, and even a series of custom-quality bicycles.
With a 40,000-square-foot manufacture in Detroit—which is also home to Shinola’s original flagship store—the all-American marque is steadfast in its commitment to producing locally made, often limited edition offerings.
The new 2,000-square-foot space was designed by the renowned Rockwell Group and incorporates raw materials like wood, bronze, brass and steel that echo Shinola’s minimalist, slightly masculine aesthetic. Located in the heart of downtown Manhattan in trendy TriBeCa, the boutique also features a newsstand and café operated by local favorite restaurant The Smile.
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