Welcome Back to the Big Top: Boerum Hill’s Best Boutique The Brooklyn Circus Re-Opens

“Oh the places you’ll go.” Or at least so says Dr. Seuss. Two years ago today, October 21st, 2008, an interview I conducted with a dapper character by the name of Quincy Ouigi Theodore went live on Toronto-based blog FormatMag.com. Since that time, both he and I have encountered changes, personal and professional, but, over the months and individual developments, we’ve kept in touch, following each other’s progression: he as creative director of Boerum Hill boutique The Brooklyn Circus and me as aspiring/struggling freelance arts and entertainment writer and reporter. I’ve visited his corner store a dozen times, an avid fan of his graphic tees and scented candles, not to mention his infectious personality and esteemed team. I always bring along out-of-town guests to his stylish outpost, an inviting space brimming with quality clothing and eye-catching décor. It’s a Manhattanite must as well as, according to moi, a tourist pit stop.

Fast-forward to last Saturday. Aside from bumping into The Bearded Man (as he refers to himself) randomly at SoHo House in July, I hadn’t seen my favorite local designer in…I don’t know how long. This past weekend, however, brought me back to the special space at the intersection of Bergen and Nevins. You see, the spot underwent an aesthetic overhaul, shutting its doors for nearly a year, or so I’m told. Makes sense, as the last time I think I made a cameo at the brick-and-mortar was with the ex in September 2009. (Six-month anniversary celebrated with fresh apparel and delicious Cuban food from Smith Street’s Cubana Café.)

In any case, to my point, Ouigi and his trusty crew held a re-opening reception from 10 AM to 3 PM Saturday afternoon, inviting friends and family far and wide to join in the celebration. I had the honor of bringing with me my dearest friend from childhood, proud to introduce her to the infamous BKc. Ouigi greeted me on the street with his usual laugh, bowing to me with hands pressed together as a sign of praise. Do not ask me why. But I can’t say I mind a little love from The Bearded Man. We hugged and I led my friend inside to find the walls were now blue, not white. The mirror frame had turned a deep eggplant purple. The classic metallic red moto was no more (perhaps removed for the event). The lighting was lower, creating a dimmer, more intimate environment (a tack I tend to love). Nice move, BKc.

The clothes were tailored: fewer tees, more emblem cardigans, tons of menswear (varsity jackets, jeans,

oxfords, vests, etc.) and, to my dismay (but to my wallet’s relief), not a female piece in sight. There were newsboy caps, glasses, bracelets and other accessories like silk pocket scarves and branded button pins. There were far more leather goods than I remember, including jackets (not my thing) and classic shoes and boots by Grenson, among other brands. Which leaves me with mixed feelings; the footwear is definitely top notch, but, I hesitate to endorse using animal products for fashion. I may get flack for writing that, but, it’s how I feel. Fur’s not the only material with a justified bad rap. Just saying…That said, if you’re seeking a great pair of kicks, the BKc is not a bad shop to start at.

Fellow fashion designers, chefs and art curators browsed the racks whilst a woman by the name of Eboni Peachtree, of Regi’s Dessert Bar, laid out gorgeous pastries for minglers to munch on. And by munch I mean devour. Miss Peachtree’s treats were hands down the most divine things that have ever touched my taste buds. May as well make this article all about her, although her website’s not yet up-and-running and she’s still seeking investors (cough, cough). Anyway, the first (indicating I consumed more than one…) thing I tried was something called a Banana Caramel. Oh my. It was essentially banana bread transformed into a cake with delectable frosting and the perfect pitch of sweet. Meanwhile, my BFF tried the Sour Cream Cheese Cake. We both agreed this was the best cheesecake we’d ever had. And I don’t even like cheesecake. Other options on hand were Rich Chocolate Rich, a killer layer cake that I had the misfortune to miss out on, Apple Custard Cake, which I almost snagged but my friend slapped my hand and told me to restrain myself (some friend she is…) and Citrus Meringue. The latter I did get a taste of. It was yummy, but not as earth-moving as the other two I sampled. All of this we washed down with complimentary white wine.

A good day indeed. The sun shined through the pristinely clean windowpanes as I reconnected with Ouigi

and had the pleasure of meeting more interesting individuals. Never does getting to know fellow movers and shakers dull for me. In fact, it is perpetually enjoyable and enlightening. Thank you to Ouigi and the entire act over at the BKc. “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” Looking forward to what these high-flying fashion-forward folks come up with next.