Bolstering this year’s French fashion invasion downtown, Sandro and Maje launched side-by-side stand-alone boutiques on Bleecker last week. (Maje also opened a Soho location earlier this month, while Sandro has an adjoining men’s boutique on Bleecker.) Though the brands are independent of one another, the Parisian designers are related: Evelyne Chetrite founded Sandro in 1984 with husband Didier, while her sister, Judith Milgrom, founded Maje in 1998. In addition to sharing a West Village block, the labels have a similarly demure, buttoned-up aesthetic. For fall, that includes Peter Pan–collar and tie-neck silk blouses, slim trousers, plaid jackets, leather detailing, and leopard-print accessories. We took a spin around both new boutiques to compare some of the season’s key looks.
Sandro: 415 Bleecker St., nr. Hudson St.; 646-438-9335.
Maje: 417 Bleecker St., at Hudson St.; 212-524-9420 and 145 Spring St., nr. Wooster St.; 212-775-8330.
Maje
Inside the Maje boutique at 417 Bleecker St.
Maje
The fall palette at Maje.
Sandro
Inside the Sandro boutique at 415 Bleecker St.
Sandro
Racks packed with the fall 2011 collection at Sandro.
Sandro vs. Maje
Left: Sadro Mistigri jacket, $565; Circus shirt, $305; Jonquille skirt, $250; Assault boots, $565. Right: Maje Hum fur coat, $1,730; Jubilee sweater, $295; Hertz skirt, $340; Kally bootie, $565; Karia bag, $550.
Sandro vs. Maje
Left: Sandro Vagabond blazer, $460; Clarisse blouse, $285; Pilaf shorts, $220; Acrobat clutch, $250; Alma wedge, $565. Right: Maje Hummer leather shearling jacket, $1,730; Jekill sweater with white collar, $270; Jabo corduroy pant, $250; Kassy bootie, $495.
Sandro vs. Maje
Left: Sandro Rochechouaut dress, $320; Alma shoes, $585. Right: Maje Hyeres dress, $385; Koralie leopard pumps, $420; Kora belt, $140.
Sandro vs. Maje
Left: Sandro Apache leopard clutch, $515; Camilia blouse, $285; Possible pants, $685. Right: Maje Henni studded-collar sweater, $340; Smarth leather leggings, $1,035; Khloe mini metallic bag, $220; Koralie pumps, $240.
Sandro vs. Maje
Left: Sandro Michigan coat, $772; Esther blouse, $235; Jonquille skirt, $250; Albatorock shoes, $600. Right: Maje Jovana sweater, $305; Jason leather skirt, $480; Jordi wool coat, $635.
Sandro vs. Maje
Top: Sandro at 415 Bleecker St., nr. Hudson St.; 646-438-9335. Bottom: Maje at 417 Bleecker St., at Hudson St.; 212-524-9420.