Whatever your feelings are about Moss, it's still the place to go for cutting edge design. By turns creative and inaccessible, brilliant and pretentious, Moss is always welcoming of the latest design trends and thus manages to stay one step ahead of its critics, including us...
Moss came to fruition in 1994 as former fashion entrepreneur Murray Moss barreled into Soho with a determination to "transform the public perception of industrial product design." The store quickly became internationally known for its product selection and presentation complete with high-profile clients. New York Magazine said it was "like a museum where you can buy what's on exhibit."
As is to be expected, with high design comes high prices. But there are small items to be found Under $100. We've heard varying reports on the friendliness/rudeness of the staff, so be aware. But still, Moss should absolutely be on your list of places to visit. You'll likely love some things, hate some other things, but either way you'll leave with an increased understanding and appreciation for design and the infinite possibilities it presents.
(Edited from this post originally published 5.3.07) (37 Comments)
| Location: |
146 Greene Street
New York,
NY
10012
|
|---|---|
| Phone: |
866.888.6677
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| Website: | www.mossonline.com |
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Bright green fixed-gear bicycle in a home decor shop - "brilliant and pretentious" would be a perfect description.
view HillE's profile
Hmm, I can understand reposting posts that still hold relevance at a later point in time, but are these photos current? Some are not; are the others?
view visualingual's profile
Someone please speak to me about the sparkly green thing going on in the first picture. Is it green chandelier crystals wired together? Something else entirely? I want!
view Aulaire's profile
Sparkly green thing is a Swarovski Crystal Chandelier and it's expensive, probably on their website. I've gone in there several times and bought unique gifts. I like the service, no one bothers you, and when you ask for help they are extremely professional. Yes, some things are outrageous, but that gets me in the door.
view djftex's profile
Yes it's "fabulous", but sometimes, I don't want "fabulous", I just want a lamp.
view medusa12120's profile
Cambria, I don't understand your comment, " We've heard varying reports on the friendliness/rudeness of the staff, so be aware." Are you implying that it is acceptable for the public to endure a store's rude, impatient, or unfriendly staff because the contents of the store are supposed to be so wonderful to see?
In my opinion, under no circumstances is it acceptable for any retail establishment's staff to be rude, unfriendly, or otherwise negative to any visitor. If they want my money, I have a reasonable expectation to receive pleasant service, whether or not I happen to find something to buy in that astronomically priced museum.
view John H's profile
John H., I completely agree with you that retail staff should have no reason to be rude. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. What I meant by my comment is that some people have had great experiences with the staff at Moss, and others have found them to be rude. There doesn't seem to be a general consensus on that account. So, shoppers should be aware that they may encounter a terrific and attentive staff, or they may not. Either way, they should come back to this forum and let us know what their experience was.
view CambriaNYAT's profile
There are a few items that make me intrigued, but with furniture like this: http://www.mossonline.com/product-exec/product_id/39393/category_id/11
it's hard to mask my revulsion. If I want to spend $4,900 on something I can't get wet, I'll buy a mogwai.
view ChristopherB's profile
I was recently @ moss and found the staff to be quite helpful and well mannered (the pictures look current to me).
I appreciate there is a place were you can go to see some outstanding designs in person (Levy, Urquiola, Wong, etc.).
If you just want a "lamp", don't bother going.
view guerilla's profile
The funny thing is, no one has yet to step forward with any concrete experience they have had with the so called "rude" staff. What exactly (if anything) happened? Or is this an implied kind of thing relating to the high end items they sell, and you expect them to be rude? I prefer not to be bothered in a store rather than a pushy salesperson. If I need something, I am more than capable of finding someone to help me.
view 1971MI's profile
I had no idea moss was controversial. It's a wonderful place to see design, and I have always found the staff to be courteous.
No, I can't afford practically anything in there, but so what? It's worth just looking at interesting and beautiful things.
view Henrietta the Terrible's profile
do people avoid going to art galleries because most of the art is not accessible to every tom, dick and jane? i guess you could just go to ikea and pick up a framed canvas print if you "just" want a piece of art.
sure, moss is uber-expensive, but it is also just about one of the only places - literally - in the world to see first-hand some of the most important new design statements being made by some of the most important creative minds working today.
the fact that this needs to be argued on a "design" site is a shame.
view twelveindustries's profile
Moss used to set the standard for cutting edge design. Pretentious with everything displayed behind glass. Now there are other places to go to be inspired by these same items minus the attitude!
view wild-er's profile
Thanks for the info, djftex--yes, I went to the website and found the green chandelier.
The green chandelier is $44,055.
Maybe the staff is rude because they're embarrassed?
view Aulaire's profile