Paracelso

Stumbled into this place accidentally when I was meandering SoHo. When I went in on a Sunday morning, I thought I had walked into some deserted attic. Clothes and trinkets and paintings strewn everywhere. Newspaper clippings taped onto the walls. Basically the opposite of a typical, clean, sterile SoHo boutique. I was a bit taken aback since it was dark inside and nobody seemed to be in the store. I peered around, trying to make out what this «mess» was supposed to be. Vintage shop? Art gallery? I honestly did not have the faintest idea.
Part scared and part confused, I began to back out of the store. That is, until I heard her. Just as I took a step back, a quiet «hello» came out from the front corner. All of a sudden, a tiny four foot lady materialized out of a massive pile of clothing. Her face was chalked in white makeup and had these mystical blue streaks and dots across her forehead. She had this wizened look, and her eyes seemed to pierce right through you. Needless to say, I was extremely taken aback. My shock must have manifested itself quite obviously on my face, because after asking me how I was doing, where I was from, and how old I was, she commented, «You look so young and naïve at heart.» That also surprised me (people normally think I look older than I am).
After making the smallest of small talks with her (I was still super freaked out), I shuffled further into her store to look around. She asked me what my style was, and I tried to verbalize it, noting that I liked «simplicity» and disliked «loud colors.» She quickly pointed out a dress in the corner, saying it would be good for me and my figure.
The dress had no tag (almost all of her pieces have their tags removed), so I could not figure out where it was from or what size it was. But I decided to trust her and try it on, because that’s what you do when a little lady in interesting makeup suggests for you to try the dress. And it looked amazing. Somehow, she knew that it would work with me. I was astounded. I honestly loved the dress so much. I didn’t buy it then, because it was above my budget for the day (I had already surpassed my budget in several other SoHo shops that morning). She simply told me the price (not sure where she got it from), and it was $ 125.
After that, I continued on checking out the rest of the store, sifting through all of the wonderful pieces she had curated. Oh, and by the way, her name is Luxor. I found this out by reading some of the newspaper clippings on the wall. She is a famous fashion icon in the city — a bohemian wonder. Apparently she’s worked with celebrities and artists like Andy Warhol. With that knowledge, I felt even more in awe. She’s kind of a legend. Wow. I talked to her some more, and she’s had her little boutique for over 40 years. She noted how she’s seen SoHo change over time, and how currently everything is being replaced by high end luxury brands (makes me sad almost).
Her pieces are like art (something she said, and I love it). Curated with love, and from all over the world. I asked her where she got the dress I liked, and she answered enigmatically, «Someone made it.» It might all be one huge rip off. That’s very possible, and I’m totally aware. But I want to believe in the magic of the store. There’s something so alluring about it. About her.
I already know I want to come back. These pieces are wonderful and for the most part, all one of a kind. These are statement pieces. The kinds of pieces that can be the subject of a conversation. And even if they aren’t, you could always tell the story about how you met Luxor.

A friend had suggested I visit Paracelso saying «they sell stuff like you wear.» I finally got there. It’s everything the other reviewers have said. How lovely to find a place that stands out among the sameness, with unique finds, yes-​pricier than elsewhere but you stand out with these pieces, and a most colorful and articulate owner who does indeed know what’s in her store, and where it is. I didn’t intend to buy at this price, but recognized the terrific style of the jacket I purchased, and also did to commemorate the experience and know I’ll be back!

Beware for those who seek normalcy, this place will make you feel uncomfortable.
For those who love the mystical, magical, and adventurous souls of the world who enjoy surprise and delight with eccentricity, this is your haven, dear free spirit.
Most items will be starting at $ 150. Know that going in and don’t be shocked. This shop is a curation of unique and hard to find clothing, some of it previously worn, some of it never worn. All selected with great love.

Once discovered you will be like a homing pigeon… you’ll return to LuxorTavella’s stylish fabric art installation of a retail shop again & again. You will be reminded of a time past when shop owners actually gave a damn about service & had knowledge of the products they sold. Luxor & her very English artist hubby (who may or may not be there) quietly & lovingly offer up her goodies for your pleasure. If you are unsure ask Luxor for guidance… you’ll end up looking & feeling new, cutting edge & basically fabulous. Maryalice O

I can only hope to be as chic as my boyfriend’s mother who introduced me to this hidden gem while visiting from LA. The shop’s owner, Luxor, is a magical little woman with fabulous painted makeup and a vast understanding of fashion and styling.
Luxor’s selection of vintage clothes is eclectic and interesting; let her recommend some pieces for you and you’ll understand her genius. I left with a scarf made of what reminds me of faux-​fur rosettes… a unique, warm and pretty piece that never fails to receive compliments when worn. She also cuts tags out of all clothing, which is an interesting approach — that way, the pieces are about style and not label popularity.
Admittedly, prices are a tad high, but investing in a one of a kind piece from a woman like Luxor can be worth it. Plus, I gotta keep her in business and battle those SoHo rent prices!

a dear, legendary friend of mine (a MUPPET) who is a native New Yorker (for 74 years) brought me to meet Luxor last night at her boutique /​atelier Paracelso in Soho. I was amazed by her curation and the unique choices of fabrics she had strewn and draped throughout her space. her diminutive stature allows her HUGE precious personality, presence and POWER to emanate in such a way that her directives feel like soft inner promptings. Luxor brings to your attention pieces you may NEVER look at yet were literally hand made for you in exotic locations by one of a kind avant-​garde Japanese designers. i left with three pieces that literally open up realms of possibility within my wardrobe. a genius experience to behold.

Paracelso, the art installation: five stars.
Paracelso, the clothing store: four stars.
Owner Luxor is truly committed to the art of fashion, and this place is like her studio. The space is filled with clothes and knick-​knacks and random furniture that give it a garage-​sale feel, but she’s careful and deliberate about how items are draped, hung, and folded. She knows exactly where everything is, which is quite a feat given that this place can’t have been cleaned out in decades. I’m always inspired by her fluency in what I’ll take liberties to call the art of self-​expression through textiles, though she sometimes seems better at expressing herself onto shoppers than helping them express themselves (not a problem if you share her taste, which seems to tend toward the Japanese). She has no employees as far as I can tell, which is fine with me: she’s lovely to talk to, even as she tries to sell you anything and everything she can possibly imagine you wearing (some pretty wacky sh*t, sometimes). Ask her about her trip to Egypt, how she changed her name to Luxor, her minglings with famous designers… true or not, her stories are an entertaining backstory for her unlikely collection.
She sells hand-​picked items from what looks like a huge variety of mysterious sources, some of which may actually warrant the hefty price tag — er, price declaration by her (there are no tags) — including items she alleges she found on trips to Pakistan, Egypt, etc., etc.; but some look straight out of Chico’s or J. Jill. Problem is, she cuts off the tags so you can’t tell… try negotiating; she may budge a little, otherwise stop in to enjoy the textures and stories, and take home not clothes but some inspiration for your next yard-​sale or thrift-​store spree.
So, torn between a four– and a five-​star rating, I averaged and rounded up — this place is such a gem I’m willing to be ripped off every once in a while if that helps it survive.

While I linger I watch as others take two steps into Paracelso and become overwhelmed. They must have been on thier way to banana republic or some other ho-​hum SoHum spot. The longer you look, the more what you need jumps out at you… begging you, as you pull a piece of fabric that has a magical jacket/​blouse/​scarf/​whatever at the other end. Somehow, Luxor packs this place with iconic styles, first run high fasion, and anything you need for a Great Gatsby party. I’ve now made this my «must do» stop for each and every trip to NY. I work in the silicon valley, i live out in the country, and this place has something for all aspects of living… if you dare to take your third step into the shop, and if you care to linger, you will have an iconic, and possibly magical, experience.

Fascinating free draped approach to the shop. The owner is a charming reminder of a world that’s vanishing under a tsunami of boring, homogenized sameness. Go with your other half. I assure you she will find something one of a kind that she will love.

This is a unique shopping experience to say the least. I accidentally wandered into Paracelso years ago and received the surprise of my life! If you love clothes, this is one stop shopping. Luxor is so helpful and has a sense of what works on my body type – not to mention how she keeps my husband entertained as well. Every time I’m in NY, I make shopping there a priority. But I’m warning you, give yourself a couple of hours to sift through all it has to offer you. You won’t be disappointed. Marcia Agema

At first glance, all appears chaos … but in fact this makes shopping at Paracelso a ‘treasure hunt’ experience — the most enjoyable shopping experience I’ve had in years. In fact my friend and I went back three times — lured by another chance to meet the bohemian owner, Luxor, and perhaps her towering artist husband … and of course to see if we could dig out another ‘find’. Great value for stylish and individual pieces too… A memory as well as a purchase.

This is actually a clothing store, and could even be considered a textile gallery. The owner, Luxor Tavella has been in this spot for over 30 years, collecting, displaying and finding homes for her gorgeous collection of one-​of-​a-​kind clothing. I was very satisfied by the selection and personal service I received. She picked out several outfits for me to try on, and not only did everything fit, it looked GREAT. Run don’t walk to this great shop.