Pearl River Blog

The New York Times recently unearthed some gems at Pearl River via Simon Doonan, creative director of Barney’s New York. A consummate shopper and trend-watcher, he browsed Pearl River and other NYC staple stores in search of gifts for “quirky friends”–whom he siphons into three major types: “the flighty, exotic gypsy; the super-confident socialite; and the on-the-edge existentialist.”

Pearl River happens to be a good match for all three. Eyeing a white porcelain stool, he notes, “The socialite loves chinoiserie.” For the gypsy, a brass Buddha head serves as a good “faux spirituality” fix. He selects a brass gong as a transcendental dinner bell for the existentialist.

And if Pearl River is the place to find gifts for quirky friends, it might also be the place to find quirky friends themselves. We didn’t know who Doonan was before he showed up at our store, but apparently, he couldn’t be missed by our discerning shoppers. The Times reported that during his visit, “a gray-haired woman ran over to him, and squealed, ‘You’re Simon Doonan! I watch you on TV!’”

Photo: Ruth Fremson/The New York Times