(Photo: Noah Kalina for New York Magazine)

In 1988, Augustine Tse created a line of cashmeres that flew off the shelves at Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue. They were just scarves, sweaters, and cardigans to some, but to others, the tse pieces were a smart $600 splurge—interestingly styled, made with attention to detail. The brand has had many designers since then, and its Madison Avenue flagship closed in 2006. Now designer Tess Giberson is at the helm and tse has relocated to Soho, a move meant to signal the brand’s evolution from uptown basics to a more fashion-driven (but still wearable) line. The new skylit, 2,500-square-foot boutique (120 Wooster St., nr. Prince St.; 212-925-2520) has interesting numbers including crinkle asymmetrical tank dresses ($1,450), cap-sleeve jackets ($750), and cotton-halter trench dresses ($795). Not cheap, but the biannual sample sale has serious markdowns.

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