Past hologram-logoed doors, kiosks of Walkers potato chips, Haribo gummi candies, and assorted socks, and an old library cart with copies of McSweeney’s and Mad Libs, you’ll find the women’s clothes at the Ace Hotel’s entrance is on 29th, but OC’s entrance is on Broadway between 28th and 29th in NYC. Near the entry, a mannequin is outfitted in Acne’s Ganga jumpsuit ($589), which just so happens to be one of the most coveted pieces for fall. Turns out the OC outpost just started carrying Acne—and it’s been a wild success. Jumpsuit aside, other Acne best-sellers are the Rita shearling jacket ($1,799) and the Admire Shoe ($679), a dangerous-looking wedge heel covered in leather with a Velcro buckle. Assistant store manager Jimmy Jimeno points to a luggage rack filled with Alexander Wang’s fall offerings, which include the oft-requested Rocco mini bag ($965) and Devon open-toe bootie ($525). “People are just now getting excited about sweaters,” he says.

Since the store’s located in a hotel, many customers are visitors passing through looking for something special to take home with them. Actress Monet Mazur happens to be in town from L.A. and ready to do some shopping. “I have my eye on that jumpsuit,” Mazur says, gesturing at the mannequin wearing the Acne piece. She’s also interested in an Alexander Wang T-shirt dress and envelope clutch. “I’m eternally looking for the perfect black cardigan, but still haven’t found it,” she says of her mission for fall.

Nearby, Brown student Emily Fishman is on an unlikely quest. She’s searching for long underwear to keep her warm when she heads up to school in a few weeks. There’s a pink long-sleeved Opening Ceremony–brand T-shirt, which seems to fit the requirement. She’s also interested in pieces from the German brand Schiesser.

In comes Pamela Love, the jewelry designer and new CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist who visits at least three times a week, as her studio is close by. For fall, she’s searching for a good backpack. “So I can ride my bike around town,” she says. Love’s also looking for sunglasses to replace the vintage Guy Laroche pair she just lost (“It’s like the universe ate them”). It’s a little meta to see one of the designer’s jewelry pieces on display (Love’s a big seller at OC). Then again, it kind of brings the whole shopping experience full circle.
by Stephanie LaCava