New York’s got a new one-stop shop for chic yet socially kicks and accouterments, with the handy addition of a full-service coffee shop. The unlikely pairing comes to you courtesy of TOMS, the label synonymous with those simple slip-on shoes that give back to those in need with the One for One donation program. The brand has grown quite a bit since its 2006 debut, and it now encompasses a full line of shoes, including sandals, sneakers, and heels for men, women, and kids, plus sunglasses, coffee, and more. The latest addition to TOMS is a range of bags that have a whole different philanthropic focus; for each purse, tote, or backpack sold, a kit that will facilitate a safe birth will be given to a mother in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, or Haiti. To boot, the bags are pretty cute, with styles including a weekender duffle in linen (which is ideal for summer trips to the Hamptons) and a sleek leather backpack that boasts tech-friendly features.
Last night the brand celebrated all things new, with the official opening of their New York shop on Elizabeth Street. With plenty of cocktails to go around, along with a bit of a tropical vibe to counteract the wintry precipitation, it was certainly a celebratory affair. And with Blood Orange’s Dev Hynes DJing, the shop attracted the likes of Waris Ahluwalia, Claudia Wu, and Leslie Kirchoff. Giving back never looked so chic.
