The New York–based fashion designer Nili Lotan is known for redefining American luxury through her minimalist, effortlessly elegant ready-to-wear collections. After designing for brands like Ralph Lauren, Nautica, and Liz Claiborne, Lotan launched her namesake label in 2003. With just six core pieces, she aimed to offer something the industry didn’t—sophisticated, functional clothing that reflected real life, not just the catwalk. Today, the company is independent, has eight stores in the U.S., and is worn by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Martha Stewart, and Michelle Obama. Last fall, Lotan also expanded into menswear with the opening of her first men’s store at 183 Duane Street in TriBeCa.
For New York Art Week, Whitewall spoke with Lotan about her favorite places in the city to see art, get coffee, and remain inspired.
Courtesy of Nili Lotan.
WHITEWALL: What’s the best spot to find inspiration in New York?
NILI LOTAN: The Noguchi Museum. Early on, I was drawn to the understated minimalism of Noguchi. The organic elements, the authenticity of raw materials, and the simplicity of the lines inspired and continues to inspire me in my work.
“Early on, I was drawn to the understated minimalism of Noguchi,”
—Nili Lotan
WW: Where is the best off-the-beaten-path to see art in New York?
NL: There’s a new section in town in northern TriBeCa with art galleries. Some have moved from Chelsea and others have opened their doors here. I think that these are worth exploring.
WW: What’s the best kept secret in New York?
NL: Frenchette Bakery. It’s hidden away in an unassuming office building just around the corner from my studio in TriBeCa. Beyond finding this space, for me, the experience feels very sentimental. When I walk in everyday to get my coffee, the smell of the croissant and baked goods fills me with joy and reminds me of my childhood.
“The smell of the croissant and baked goods fills me with joy,”
—Nili Lotan
Nili Lotan’s New York Favorites
1. The Noguchi Museum
Photo by Elizabet Felicella, INFGM-ARS, courtesy of Noguchi Museum.
“In 1985, Noguchi opened The Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (now known as The Noguchi Museum), in Long Island City, New York. The Museum, established and designed by the artist, marked the culmination of his commitment to public spaces. Located in a 1920s industrial building across the street from where the artist had established a studio in 1960, it has a serene outdoor sculpture garden, and many galleries that display Noguchi’s work, along with photographs, drawings, and models from his career. He also indicated that his studio in Mure, Japan, be preserved to inspire artists and scholars; a wish that was fulfilled with the opening of the Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum Japan in 1999.” via Noguchi Museum
2. TriBeCa Galleries
Courtesy of CityNeighborhoods.NYC.
“From the Hudson River to Broadway, Chambers Street to Canal Street, is the classic New York City neighborhood of TriBeCa. Home to converted warehouses and factories, trendy shopping and dining, and the Tribeca Film Festival, this neighborhood is a must-see place to visit in Manhattan. TriBeCa, short for “Triangle Below Canal Street,” is a trendy neighborhood nestled in lower Manhattan, renowned for its unique charm and artistic ambiance. The neighborhood acquired its name due to its geographic location, forming a triangular shape between Canal Street, West Street, and Broadway. Once an industrial area dominated by warehouses and factories, Tribeca has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming one of Manhattan’s most sought-after residential and commercial districts. Today, Tribeca is characterized by its iconic cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant mix of historic and modern architecture.” via CityNeighborhoods.NYC
3. Frenchette Bakery
Courtesy of Frenchette Bakery.
“Frenchette Bakery opened in the TriBeCa neighborhood of New York City in October 2020 under the direction of Chef/Owners Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, who also run the restaurants Frenchette (TriBeCa) and Le Rock (Midtown). The bakery focuses on French baking and viennoiserie traditions by lead baker Peter Edris and Executive Pastry Chef Michelle Palazzo, incorporating ancient and local heirloom grains where possible. Opening in Fall 2023 – Frenchette Bakery at the Whitney and Frenchette Bakery Cafe at the Whitney – is a new larger and expanded second location at the Whitney Museum in the Meatpacking District, with the same bakery focus as well as a take-out and 56 seat cafe service experience.” via Frenchette Bakery
