Lower East Side


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by Amanda Venturi



Skella Boutique on Orchard Street
photo by Amanda Venturi



	Orchard Street is known as the Bargain District. On Sundays the street is closed to traffic and stands are set up along the street for people to purchase goods, sort of like a flea market. Back in the 19th century Orchard Street was similar as it is today. The streets were lined with thousands of venders all trying to sell their merchandise to make a living for their family. The first garment industry, located on Orchard Street, was first run by Germans. These sweat shops slowly got taken over by Eastern European Jews and now in today’s day in age they are run by the Chinese. Orchard Street as well as most of the lower east side has now been spotted having trendy little boutiques scattered along the streets. The musician Moby opened up a Tea shop called “Teany” right off of Orchard Street. .

This picture of the boutique Skella, located at 156 Orchard Street is another symbolism of how the neighborhood has changed over the years. From family owned bargain clothing stores to modern fashion boutiques, such as Skella, whose clothes range from $90 to $4,500- this is all very new for the Lower East Side. All the clothing is hand made in the basement and Piano music is played through out the store giving the patrons an upper class feeling, to match the high prices. However high the prices might be Skella, owned by Deborah Skell, has managed to keep customers buying clothing for the past three years.