The New York clothing store Colbo opened strong in 2022. In the past year or so it’s firmly established itself as the best new clothing shop in NYC, as far as Blackbird Spyplane is concerned. In part this is because they stock fire under-the-radar lines (And Austin, Archie, Yoko Sakamoto, Ernie Palo) alongside secondhand slappers. In part it’s because they have a bright, airy space where they make great coffee & host cool events (including with Spyfriends like Small Talk Studio, Intramural, Pierce Abernathy and Wrong Answer.)
And, increasingly, it’s because Colbo’s house line has become one of the most impressive out: Elegant unisex styles… cut capaciously… from beautiful fabrics… in color schemes precision-engineered for achieving sublime Tonal Swag.
The clothes are made in NYC, designed by Colbo co-founder Tal Silberstein, who used to work at Hed Mayner. The other day Tal hit us up with a preview of SS24 — their deepest collection yet — and we knew within seconds of smashing the Dr*pbox that we were dealing with a major C.O.M.M.S. Situation:
Certified Outstanding “Mamma Mia” Slappers
The collection was produced entirely in NYC’s Garment District “from a mix of Japanese fabrics and globally sourced deadstock.” We’re talking deadstock Italian cotton; Japanese cotton-hemp and cotton-linen; summerweight wool; Japanese cotton that’s been sun-dried for a month to give it a pleasingly crunchy hand-feel that you only get from 30 days’ exposure to HELIOS’ love; and — on some of our favorite pieces, like the 1/2-zip summerweight “parka,” above and below — crinkly deadstock Italian nylon…
I visited six major European cities in the past 18 months... and didn't find a store like this. Simply put, it has the highest quality material (cotton; linen) with the most time-favorable (classic) designs. I cannot emphasize how amazing the fabrics are. The hand, the heft--- you have to visit to appreciate.
Rina K
Google
My favorite store in new york. The interior, selection of clothes, coffee! and the workers are so nice and welcoming 🤎
Andrew Bassett
Google
Well curated and super gorgeous little shop. Vibes were great and had huge potential, coffee set up looked proper as well. But I’m just finna be real and say I’m docking this cause I must have spent almost 10 minutes in here looking at various product, which are brands I fw or already buy, without a single member of the team even acknowledging either me or my partners existence. In my book, it’s never cool to be too cool to say what’s up to a customer, or someone who walks in your joint. Maybe I’m old school, but to have the boys at Kith & other “streetwear and fashion” spots be more friendly and accommodating than here, speaks to me that this place doesn’t really gaf about the people that come through. That said - I’ll still be back next time I’m in the city and will hope for at least a hello when I come in the door!
Edit: After receiving a very kind message from the shop manager, i've updated my rating to 4 stars and will happily give this place it's deserved 5 star rating after having another opportunity to visit again in the future. Things happen, I get it :) Looking forward to visiting next time i'm in NYC!
Gabe Hyman
Google
immaculate curation of the space. stellar atmosphere. friendly staff. cool clothes. what else could you want?
Claud Li
Google
Two stars for a beautiful interior. Minus three stars for a similar experience I had with another reviewer who said they did not feel welcome in the store; no "hi, how are you?" or "did you need anything?" I had to physically move closer to the 3 reps for them to acknowledge me, and even then there was some awkward staring involved. I felt distinctly more un-welcome when better dressed clients came in after me and received a warm "hello!" My rep only went to check back-stock for me when another rep suggested that he go check, and when he came back, he went straight to making coffee for the "cool" folks; I had to catch his attention to ask what he'd found. This may be a lovely store with delicious coffee, but if you're not dressed how the reps are dressed, they probably won't care about you.
Clarke Boehling
Google
The few pieces I've purchased from Colbo are among my most beautiful and treasured garments. They are not inexpensive, but for me they represent *real* value; that is to say, when you purchase from Colbo, you're buying products made on a human scale from the real (and awesome) humans that work there, and there's no industry fluff or marketing or silliness built into the prices. These are gorgeous, understated pieces of real emotional resonance that will make you fall deeper in love with fabric and which you'll actively look forward to putting on your body.
Pietro NoLiTa
Google
Super helpful staff, amazing selection of clothes, great coffee too! My favorite shop in nyc! Thanks
Production Sharing
Google
this is such a perfect shop. My boyfriend & I are always finding the best pieces here that we love and then actually share lol!! A very warm and helpful team
Jayme V.
Yelp
We traveled to six major European capitals this past year, or so. NO shop had fabrics like these of cotton and linen. Truly amazing quality with timeless design. A MUST visit for those seeking the absolute best.
Bijan M.
Yelp
What can I say? Colbo Cafe is a vibe. Great cafe space, coffee...great little record store and Orchard Street blooms with so much creativity.