Left rectangle ads redesigned
Robert Ripps book
History of Tribeca Buildings
New Kid on the Block: Stillfried Wien
I asked Michael and Anna Trubrig, the couple behind Stillfried Wien, about the philosophy behind their new shop. “We asked ourselves, ‘What kind of store would we like?'” replied Michael. “Our style is inspired by the 50s and 60s, and we’re drawn to things that are special but don’t show off too much. And we like being surprised, seeing things we wouldn’t expect.” That explains why, even though Stillfried Wien mainly sells furniture and home accessories, it also carries Mühlbauer hats and Unique Allure’s handbags made from vintage scarves. And that also explains why, even though the merchandise is mainly from German-speaking Europe—with an emphasis on Vienna, where the Trubrigs are from—they’re reserving the right to include anything they want, from anywhere in the world.
Designed by Vienna-based Kim+Heep, the space has been opened up considerably since it was the very dark OLighting showroom. The star is definitely the ceiling, a gold-painted screen inspired by Thonet’s iconic cane chair, but there are plenty of good reasons—both new and vintage—to peel your eyes off the ceiling, including chairs from Vienna’s city hall (Stillfried Wien has the exclusive U.S. reproduction rights), exquisite glassware and objets d’art, and—something I imagine will go over well in these parts—TukLuk’s triangular mats, which kids can assemble into forts. (The mats have magnets along each edge and the covers are washable.) There’s more where the mats came from: The Trubrigs will be turning the downstairs space into a kids’ shop.
“We are only carrying items of highest quality,” said Michael. “We basically visited every single production facility.”
While German speakers would (and will) say the name shtill-freed veen, the Trubrigs are saying it still-freed veen, to make it easier for the rest of us. (Stillfried is Anna’s maiden name, and Wien is Vienna in German.) Naturally, I’ve added Stillfried Wien to the Tribeca Pronunciation Guide.
Stillfried Wien is at 40 Walker (between Church and Broadway), 212-226-2921, stillfried.com.
Recent New Kid on the Block/First Impressions articles:
• Church Publick
• American Cut
• Front Art Space
• Terra
• Stitched Tribeca
• Valley
• Reade Street Prep
• Rheanne White
• Mel Furukawa
• Dance with Miss Rachel
• Box Kite Coffee
Update: Comments have been turned off due to spam. To have them turned back on, email tribecacitizen@gmail.com.
6 Comments
Medium rectangle #1 (top)
Right column rectangle ads
Mega rectangle
Restaurant guide icon
Shopping Guide icon
just another ex hedge fund guy who thinks he has to be involved in design, and has special taste & is bringing something new to NY. There is nothing unique or new about this shop.
Hi Annabelle,
just read your charming comment. Why don’t you come by for a coffee, You might be surprised and really find something special. ;-)
Best
Michael( the ex hedge fund guy)
Hey, Everybody! Did you hear that? Free round of shots at Stillfried Wienerhouzenhousen!! The ex hedge fund guy is buying! Wooohoooo! Everybody drinks!! Except Annabelle and Ellsworth! Bring your children – there will be Shirley Temple slushies and a diaper station for all. PAAAAARTY!!!!!
I like this shop and think their stuff is nice and different. Apparently someone has a bone to pick. Maybe they’re just another under-stimulated, overcompensated housewife that thinks their opinion matters to anyone other than their maid and nanny?
Response to Brett: I actually lived in Tribeca and “these stroller pushing housewives” were a reason we moved to a more stimulating neighborhood.
Also most of the accessories are available fyi at Matter, Future Perfect and other stores. For me NEW is different.
Hi there,
I was for a couple days in NYC and had a chance to discover this nice shops by walking around in Tribeca.
Anna and Michael are really nice and have a real passion for their products.
I hope to have the same shop in Paris for enjoying distinctive products.