Ddclab

The Scene
The pure-white decor contrasts with the hip clothing along the walls, but considering the jars of candy on the coffee bar in the back, who can deny the shop's good taste? An adjacent brag book boasts pictures of Lenny Kravitz and Tobey Maguire dressed in the unique apparel, and explanations of Lycra and other materials accompany wall-hung fabric samples. Launched by Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies-Keiller in 1998, this brand remains on the cutting edge of its self-termed "fashion technology."

The Goods
Selling leather pants, jeans and T-shirts, the company can create rock star wannabes out of men, women and children. Its ability to charge a pretty penny for a cashmere hoodie emblazoned "125 East Harlem" shows the popularity and power of this brand. And if the items themselves don't wake you up, the caffeine from the mini-cafe will surely work its magic.