I don’t have to point out to you that accessories are the hot category, particularly anything off beat or ethnic inspired – like beads, which are best when not worn timidly, but piled on exuberantly. They are a quick way to add color and punch or spice up the most simple of summer basics and are available at all price points, all over the city at retail, at thrift and vintage shops, and of course, on the street.
One street vendor in particular, Sangoule Diawara, a young man from Mali, West Africa, caught my eye with his arresting selection of beads including my favorite – jumbo versions of the popular ribbon strung slightly irregularly shaped kukua nut beads from Hawaii (which are light as a feather) and which he sells in black, turquoise, brown, and natural for only $15. He also sells sunglasses, wood toned banana leaf beads (available in two lengths at $12 and $15), bracelets, and assorted drop earrings ($6-$8). Best of all, he can be found religiously on the southeast corner of 14th street and 7th avenue from 12 to 8 Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 12:30 to 6.
Marilyn Kirschner
