The Michele Varian store in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is a destination point for all things beautiful and inspiring. In addition to the lighting, textiles, and furniture designed by Michele herself (yes, she is a real person!), and alongside the homewares and gifts the store is known for, the sprawling loft-like space sells the work of over 70 jewelers.
Most of these 70+ jewelers carried at Michele Varian are based in the U.S., with many of them from the East Coast and New York. Michele, who still does all her own buying, is interested in that locality. Sourcing locally, manufacturing locally and working with local or domestic artisans, fine materials, and vendors are all part of an ethos that appeals to her—alongside, of course, jewelry’s aesthetic attributes.
One of the main through lines in Michele’s buying and “curating” for her store is a visible “hand of the maker,” with an appreciation for the skill required to fabricate a piece. Curious juxtapositions, humor and storytelling are also key elements that Michele appreciates.
After all, jewelry is art for the human form, and the best art prompts interactions and responses in diverse ways. As with all Michele’s design work—and with the experience of the Michele Varian store, in general—artistry, beauty, and various forms of inspiration make for the journey as well as the destination.
While most of the jewelry available at Michele Varian’s only physical location in SoHo is also available at michelevarian.com, there’s always even more to see in-store! There’s an ever-changing selection of designers (jewelry and otherwise) available at Michele Varian for a limited time only. Take the current Pyrrha exhibit, or Dana Bronfman, Delphine Leymarie, and Goldhenn Jewelry, who’ve partnered on “Atelier Alchemy,” a collective pop-up in the SoHo store’s mezzanine level (a retail collaboration powered by Guesst.co)!
If you can’t make it to SoHo, you can also find all Michele’s goodies on Instagram at @michelevarian, or on her recently launched, jewelry-specific feed, @jewelryatmichelevarian (talk about visual splendor!). There’s ALWAYS something happening at the store – Roundtable discussions on the jewelry industry, parties and product launches, sips and snacks, and the like – so stay on top of the happening’s by signing up for her mailing list here.
All images and info thanks to Michele Varian | Collages by MoJ