The Five at Five: Lesley Ware

21 Apr 2022

From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – here is some inspiration, celebrating the independents in our local neighbourhoods around the world.

This week’s selection has been curated by Lesley Ware, a fashion-as-self-care advocate and maker. Lesley is also the author of five books — her latest, ‘Black Girls Sew’, will be released in June this year.

Lesley Ware

Lesley’s desire to spread love through fashion led her to develop Art to Ware, a socially conscious pop-up shop where she sells reworked and one-of-a-kind garments by a variety of independent designers. Not only that, Lesley also believes in passing on her knowledge through specialised education programmes with several institutions, including Parsons School of Design, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Times Student Journeys and New Visions for Public Schools.

Lesley Ware

FOR FOOD

“My current favourite is Rolo’s in my neighbourhood of Ridgewood, Queens. I started going there during lockdown for carry out and was instantly in love.”

Lesley Ware

FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING

“Everyone is fashionable and there’s good energy on the streets of Williamsburg.”

Lesley Ware

FOR BOOKS

Kinokuniya and Bookmarc, both in Manhattan, have fabulous fashion sections.”

Lesley Ware

FOR WELLNESS

“For wellness in New York City, I head to the Great Jones Spa.”

Lesley Ware

FOR SHOPPING

“My favourite cities to shop in have to be Tokyo and Milano.”