MY CITY

NEW YORK CITY

ROB GARRETT SMITH

New Yorker Rob Garrett Smith (he/him) decided to draw from his 30-year career in corporate retail to create something special in the city. - As the Founder and CEO of The Phluid Project, Rob successfully created a retail store that was not divided by traditional binary boundaries.

Upon its opening, the Phluid Project had been described as the first 'gender-neutral store', but it was way more than that. - TPP offered a safe space where individuals were encouraged to express themselves openly, without judgement or fear, however they identify. And while TPP's flagship store has since closed, the project itself has expanded, spreading its message across the country.

In an increasingly crazy world, we love the positive message that TPP are sharing, so we asked Rob to share some of his favourite places in New York City...

THE PHLUID PROJECT

@thephluidproject

Rob's NYC list just wouldn't be complete without mentioning TPP itself: "Part retail, part community space and completely free of gender limitations. Shop beyond the binary." While TPP's flagship store in NoHo is no longer around, keep an eye out for pop-ups across the city!

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CLUB CUMMING

@clubcumming

When it comes to nightlife, Rob recommends the cosy East Village bar co-owned by actor Alan Cumming, known for its interesting events, from cabaret to knitting nights: "Drinks. Performances. Great vibe. And you never know when Alan might show up."

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COOKSHOP

@cookshopnyc

Cookshop prides itself on its commitment to seasonality and local sourcing, offering New Yorkers an honest, seasonal dining option: "My favourite go-to restaurant for healthy food & comfort food. Great to sit outside most of the year."

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LETTER J

@letterjchelsea

"A really well curated men's store in West Chelsea." - Letter J is housed in a former gallery, offering casual yet sophisticated menswear. Rob admits, "It's hard to walk out of there without buying something special. Ask for Jason."

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WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

Park. Life.

The historic Greenwich Village park can offer something for everybody, from its built-in chess tables to its energetic performers: "If you want a place for a quiet conversation or to be completely entertained, this park never disappoints."

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DETAILS

Find out more about The Phluid Project at the link below.

Follow Rob on Instagram:

@thephluidproject
@robgarrettsmith

http://www.thephluidproject.com

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All photos are copyright 51 Squared B.V., except: Rob Garrett Smith profile photo (Courtesy of Rob Garrett Smith); The Phluid Project (Instagram @thephluidproject); Club Cumming (Instagram @clubcumming); Cookshop (Instagram @cookshopnyc); Letter J (@letterjchelsea); Washington Square Park (Credit: Unsplash). This feature was not paid for in any way.