Spotlight: Matt Bernson - Downtown Magazine

Warning: Undefined array key "sharing_networks_networks_sorting" in /var/www/wp-content/plugins/monarch/monarch.php on line 3904

Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/plugins/monarch/monarch.php on line 3904

-Photography: Courtesy of Matt Bernson

DOWNTOWN Magazine is starting a spotlight section where we will highlight a designer, store or salon in the Lower Manhattan area. We’ll ask them a little about the history behind the brand or store and then provide some of our favorite products or services to receive there.

Our first store/designer that’d we like to showcase is Matt Bernson. The designer lives and works in Tribeca and has a boutique filled with handcrafted materials and quality accessories. He sells handbags, jewelry, shoes and more and each item looks stylish and sleek.

DOWNTOWN: Can you tell us about yourself? Where are you from? Why and how did you become a designer?

I was born in NYC and lived on Jane Street before my parents moved up to Westchester, NY. I always wanted to do something creative that involved travel. I was traveling in India and found a sandal that I wanted to import. I ended up changing what I found and making them more modern and comfortable. Turns out I was designing and doing something in an attempt to express something I wasn’t seeing in the marketplace.

DOWNTOWN: Can you tell us about your store and the products that you sell? What sets you apart?

Our store in Tribeca is in an 1800’s carriage house which overlooks our design studio. It is the only place to find the full collection of everything we do in a season. We sell casual, cool shoes made with materials from Italy, Brazil Argentina Spain and Pakistan. Every design is comfort engineered. We also sell jewelry which we make in our Tribeca studio which is understated and delicate. Our first handbag, The Harrison cross body, has an adjustable chain handle. We have vintage Persol sunglasses, hats from Worth and Worth plus other cool items we find along the way.

DOWNTOWN: Why do you like having a store in the Lower Manhattan area?

I love the ability to have a neighborhood store. We get to know our customers by name but we also get such a diverse group of visitors to the city. There is something very inspiring about the neighborhood and its residents. It excites us to create products that fit that mood.

Check out the Matt Bernson store at 20 Harrison St. New York, NY and take a look at some of DOWNTOWN’s favorite products below!

-Kayla Hernandez

Our Six Favorite Products:

1. Fillmore- Navy: $275