Urban Zen

Profile

This Eastern-inspired boutique is the retail offshoot of designers Donna Karan and Somja Nuttall’s Urban Zen Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating underprivileged children and reforming health care in partnerships with hospitals like Beth Israel. Karan hatched the idea for the organization in 2001 after her late husband’s battle with cancer. Ten percent of the store’s sales go to the foundation, which donates to a number of charitable organizations worldwide. The shop is decked with carved wood accents, scattered Buddha statues, and black-and-white photographs from various international photographers. The air is perfumed by the subtle smell of incense, and soothing world music plays overhead. The upscale wares have a distinctly organic feel, with soft, drapey sweaters, flowing skirts, and cropped vests in luxurious fabrics like cashmere, suede-washed cotton, and silk jersey. A small section for children’s clothing in back mirrors the adult garb, including silky knits and draping dresses. The selection of accessories is culled from Karan’s travels, ranging from Aurora Lopez-Mejia’s Mayan-inspired trinkets in yellow and pink gold to African pieces crafted from wood and bone. — Jacquelyn Lewis</