The holiday season is here, and thoughtful gift-giving matters more now than ever. The pandemic has hit fashion brands hard, leading to store closures, significant price cuts, and even permanent shutdowns.
Smaller labels face especially tough challenges, which is why we’re spotlighting cherished New York City-based businesses in this guide. Here are eight stylish picks that will delight your loved ones while helping sustain our city’s vibrant spirit.
Boys of New York
Founded in 2014 by designer Isidoro Francisco, this streetwear brand gained fame for its timeless varsity jackets featuring a sleek logo. Blending ’90s hip-hop vibes with minimalist flair, these pieces let you proudly showcase your NYC love—especially important now.
Logo sweatshirt, $70 at Boys of New York
Brandon Blackwood
Bushwick-based designer Brandon Blackwood started his label in 2015. Celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o and Cardi B have flaunted his bags, crafted by fair-trade artisans worldwide. The brand soared in popularity when Kim Kardashian shared his “End Systemic Racism” tote on Instagram.
“Kuei” mini shearling bag with vegan-leather trim, $125 at Brandon Blackwood
Collina Strada
Hillary Taymour’s eco-conscious label celebrates whimsy with hand-dyed hoodies, floral dresses, and tapestry totes made from deadstock fabrics. This festive, reusable water bottle perfectly embodies the brand’s joyful sustainability ethos.
Rhinestone water bottle, $90 at Collina Strada
LoveShackFancy x Morgan Lane
Two ultra-feminine brands joined forces for a sleepwear collaboration, ideal for our homebound times. This silky eye mask offers a chic escape to dreamier moments.
LoveShackFancy x Morgan Lane “Love Shack” eye mask, $98 at Love Shack Fancy (available Saturday)
Noah
Since 2015, Noah has mastered effortless cool with its surf-skate-prep fusion. In a charitable twist, 20% of proceeds from their Keith Haring holiday collection—including T-shirts and candles—support nonprofit New York Cares.
Noah x Keith Haring candle, $48 at Noah NY, 195 Mulberry St.
S.K. Manor Hill
Dominic Sondag’s Brooklyn-based brand merges vintage inspiration with modern touches, using European and Japanese fabrics. Garment-District-made pieces like plaid mohair fanny packs and hooded camel coats redefine timeless style.
Watch cap, $100 at SK Manor Hill
Sandy Liang
Queens-native Sandy Liang crafts nostalgic outerwear and accessories, often drawing from her Chinese heritage. This versatile ’90s-inspired necklace doubles as a locket or floral pendant.
“Dubbo” necklace, $275 at Sandy Liang
Saturdays NYC
Born in 2009, this surf-meets-lifestyle brand invites you to embrace laidback vibes—even if lingering in their cafés isn’t an option right now. Their logo socks bring cozy comfort home.
Logo socks, $15 at Saturdays NYC