A newcomer to Nolita’s bevy of indie stores, the gallery-like boutique Début brings a new concept to the marketplace: the centrally located retail space is a brick-and-mortar stepping stone for young designers to launch their collections into the market. (We would say it’s the New York equivalent of London boutique Beyond the Valley, one of our favorites.) We spoke with owner Lisa Weiss about her innovative concept.

Marina Cashdan: Can you tell me a bit about your fashion background?

Lisa Weiss: I don’t really have a fashion background. I majored in finance in college and worked on a couple of budgeting jobs and then I ended up working at a law firm, contemplating going to law school. I didn’t like it, so took time off and did some personal training, then went to culinary school, so I’ve jumped around a lot…

MC: So when/where did fashion come in?

LW: I decided to go to FIT for fashion merchandising. That’s where the whole concept [for Debut] was inspired. Being at FIT, I started to talk to a lot of young designers and see their work and pay attention to a lot of the runway shows at school. I started to gain interest in independent designers, people who were getting started, how the industry works, how hard it was to get that start. So I started thinking about this concept and how it would be great if they could start slowly and not have to be in a showroom or producing tons of samples. A lot of the collections here are only five to 10 pieces; some of them are only for the store so they’re not officially launched yet; they’re still testing their line, but it’s a mix. They’re grateful for the opportunity and for customers it’s great because they can always see something fresh and new every season.

MC: How many designers do you feature per season?

LW: It ranges between 15 and 20.

MC: And international designers?

LW: They come from all over the world. I would say that now we have collections from London, Canada, Korea, and more.

MC: How do you find the designers?

LW: All over the place – fashion blogs, independent magazines… Now that we’re open, it’s much easier because we’ve been getting press and so people find us.

MC: So for the most part these designers aren’t represented by any showroom?

LW: It’s really a mix, in all fairness. I wanted to create a balance. Some of the lines might be picked up in another store. I think for the consumer, it justifies [or validates] the other [non-represented] designers. Some people might think that if it’s not well distributed or it’s not in showrooms or it doesn’t have press, then it’s just not as established. And really, the quality is just as good. The quality doesn’t get compromised because they’re not going through this huge production.

MC: How do you group them in this gorgeous space?

LW: The store is designed like a gallery. Each designer has their own space within the gallery so that their collection is displayed like art work.

MC: And who designed the space?

LW: Zivkovic Associates Architects in New York.

MC: What kind of customers have you gotten so far?

LW: It’s really varied because the merchandise caters to every age or financial [bracket]. The price ranges from $200 to $2,000. The people who come in are interested in learning about new designers and want something that not everybody will have.

MC: So, last question. This may be unfair, but I’ll ask it anyhow: Do you have any favorite designers from this season?

LW: Uh, I really don’t like to specify.

MC: Not to worry. We understand. A Sophie’s Choice situation, eh?

298 Mulberry St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 343-2717