25hrs with Jeff Staple

What doesn’t Jeff Staple do? As a graphic, web and clothing designer, he has founded the firms Staple Design, Staple Clothing and even the design shop Reed Space. Of course that’s not all, since he also works as a writer, entrepreneur and, even, DJ.

Having grown up in New Jersey, he hopped over the Hudson River in the ’90s to study journalism and found that his heart lay in communications design. Through internships and apprenticeships, he quickly rose up the ranks of Manhattan design firms and found himself as a graphic designer for c.i.t.e. design while he incubated his Staple concept. All it took was some streetwear confidence in his style that launched his t-shirt line, which then grew into the international design firm that it is today, servicing clients including Nike, Gianna Versace and Lotus.

In his guide to New York, Jeff takes us on what could very well be a normal day for him around Lower Manhattan’s chic spots, splitting our time on a step-by-step journey between West Village eateries, Chelsea cultural laboratories and hip SoHo boutiques worthy of any splurge.

Places in this guide

Food New York 0
Prune The kitchen that started it all
Start your day with brunch at Prune. Tiny & intimate. It’s all about the food here. No fluff.
Shop New York 1
Reed Space The street wears you
I would be remiss to not recommend a stop at my lifestyle boutique, Reed Space. The creative culture meets here. See what we have to offer. Something for everyone.
Culture New York 2
New Museum of Contemporary Art Seven stories of art
Then head to the new “New” Museum. Usually some really interesting exhibits in a beautiful piece of architecture. The top floor also offers some sweeping outdoor views of downtown.
Shop New York 3
McNally Jackson Bound tomes & treats
Get your read on. McNally offers the best in mags, books, zines and indie publishing. This neighborhood (Nolita) also has a lot of great small shops.
Shop New York 4
Carhartt WIP Dressed to chill
Unless you’re visiting from Europe, this Carhartt shop on Crosby St offers a selection of the workwear brand you won’t find anywhere else.
Food New York 5
Ushiwakamaru In the lair of the great Sea Monster
Stop in this little Japanese mecca to fish on your way to the West Village to make a reservation for dinner. You’ll be coming back here later tonight, but make the reservation now.
Hotel New York 6
The Jane Hotel West Village sleep easy
A few blocks over and you’re at the quaint Jane Hotel. Grab an espresso at Cafe Gitane in the lobby.
Shop New York 7
Rag & Bone Handsome, not haggard
Continue to Bleecker Street. There’s a strip of property that is like Mini-5th Ave. It starts with Reiss, continues to Rag & Bone, to a little Ralph grouping, and finally ending with the Marc Jacobs Kingdom.
Hotel New York 8
Soho House Luxe sanctuary
Now walk North a few short blocks.You’ll find flagships from Louboutin, Margiela, Stella and more. Soho House is a members only hotel/club/lounge that offers, spa, hotel, dining and roof top pool. Sneak in if you must.
Escapism New York 9
High Line Rails to trails
Right next to this is the High Line. NYCs, newest architectural urban park land. It’s an engineering feet. A must see. Great for people watching too.
Culture New York 10
Matthew Marks Gallery Crème de la crème
Right below the High Line is Chelsea and all it’s splendid galleries. You could spend an entire weekend here exploring so best to do some research beforehand and target the 1-2 galleries you really want to hit.
Escapism New York 11
Chelsea Piers Links on the Hudson
Finally, before dinner, work up your appetite, by smacking some golf balls at Chelsea Piers. After this, take a cab back over to Ushiwakamaru and order some Omakase sushi!

Join Unlike