Suzette Sundae

about suzette sundae

It was completely on a whim that at age 17, I became a retailer. In a dilapidated building in Allston, MA, I took over a friend's punk rock record store. Adding chotchkies and vintage clothes that i'd haul around in a shopping cart on the subway, like some half crazy bag lady (some things don't change) a new shop was created. 'Hot Sugar' was also my home, since I lived in the back room (no hot water, no shower!) for over two years! My commute, involved crawling out from beneath a clothing rack each day! The great thing about having a store, I decided, is that it becomes a way of life -- the freedom can taste so sweet that one might do just about anything to maintain it.

By age 19, I felt it was "time to move on," so I began working for neighboring antique dealers. One such friend, Don McBride, became my business mentor, educating me on a myriad of subjects, from buying the contents of estates, to 50's jazz to 20th c. furniture designers. Subsequently, in '95, I opened my second shop -- 'Lost Engine Gallery,' a considerably higher-profile venue. It featured vintage, modern furnishings as well as artwork by local painters, sculptors & comic book artists. Eventually, the furniture & vintage artwork took over the entire, two – level store. Later, I changed the name to "suzette sundae," which was the name of my alter ego, a torch singer, who still makes occasional appearances. My eponymous, 3rd store in Boston opened after the previous one closed, in '99. It housed a collection of modern furniture as well as mens' and women's' vintage clothing.

Longing to be in New York for years, I closed the Boston location in '01 and moved to Manhattan. After a wait for the 'right' space and moment, I finally opened the current store in January '03. Though rewarding, my past ventures haven’t afforded me as much creative expression as I currently enjoy making clothing, accessories & jewelry, as well as altering vintage. Amassing seasonal collections of brilliant pieces by designers I greatly admire, is the hot fudge on the sundae! When asked, I've referred to my aesthetic as 'Jackie O' meets Wendy O' ( Wendy O'Williams of notorious punk band, the Plasmatics). Many pieces I create are one-of-a-kind, such as vintage leather jackets that have been entirely reconstructed, then adorned with paint, appliqués and studs. Other designs pop out of my sketch book, and are translated into gold and silver charms, such as those found in the Astral Plane Collection. I strive to create items myself and offer them immediately to my clientele, keeping the collection fresh, and the value exceptional. I'll gladly fill special orders and requests, collaborate with stylists and do custom work.

Thanks for your interest and a big 'THANK YOU' to all my dear friends, customers and associates! Keep art alive in NYC!

–Suzette