Though designer Susan Hengst founded her label in San Francisco almost a decade ago, her clothes have been gracing the racks at stylish downtown boutiques like TG-170 for nearly as long. This month, Hengst moved her shop and studio to New York, opening a petite boutique on East 1st Street. But unlike other East Village standbys, you won’t find eighties-inspired knockoffs or rumpled hipster plaids here. The pastel-colored designs are more refined, showcasing Hengst’s hand-dyed silk tunics and dresses, creamy wide-leg linen trousers, embroidered vintage-style lingerie, and super-soft jersey-chiffon jumpsuits. Though the racks are rife with tank dresses and gauzy silks at the moment, the fall collection will bring chunky knits and luxurious cashmere-blend coats for weathering the season in style. Click ahead to see what’s in-store now.
Hengst, 70 E. 1st St., nr. First Ave.; 212-375-1549.
