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subscribe to style file blog via RSSSaturday With The Crangis
December 14, 2009 11:47 am
Perhaps it was a case of holiday spirit goggles, but there was something a bit Santa-at-the-workshop about Philip Crangi on Saturday: There were the rolled-up sleeves of his red tartan shirt, the engineer-stripe apron, and, of course, his glorious beard. (He just called it “butch drag.”) The jewelry designer spent the day at his new store, The Crangi Family Project, for a grand opening-cum-holiday event. The name isn’t just an affectation. “We did everything in here ourselves,” said Crangi, from the skeletal tin flowers on display, the forest-hued velvet walls, and the black pressed-tin ceiling, cobbled together by Philip, his sister and business partner, Courtney, and a host of hardworking friends.
Crangi took up his post at an anvil in the corner—dragged from the Garment District to its new home in the Meatpacking—to provide gratis stamping service for customers. (”It’s heavy,” he deadpanned.) He reported that the tiny space had seen a steady stream of visitors, including some industry friends: On Saturday, Joseph Altuzarra was there with his business partner Coline Choay, and Vena Cava’s Lisa Mayock turned up to say hello and scoop up some holiday gifts. Names and initials jotted on a notepad were handed to Crangi as he dutifully personalized his signature Railroad Spike and Pied-de-Biche cuffs and rings. One customer even asked for the entire refrain to a song. “Oh, we have to call her back,” he said gravely. Even Santa has his limits.
tags: Joseph Altuzarra, Philip Crangi, Vena Cava
