In 2014, during her last year at University College London, Cabana’s founder, Martina Mondadori, approached Angelica Hicks, then 21, with a request: to design 60 invitations for a dinner party she was hosting. Following the event, Tory Burch followed suit. Before long, Hicks’s tongue-in-cheek style had captivated the fashion crowd.
Hicks pairs colorful illustrations with irresistible puns. She famously depicted pop singer Lana Del Rey wearing oversized shades in a piece titled “Lana Del Ray-Ban.” In another, she emblazoned Donatella Versace’s face onto a pink donut, the playful text reading “Donut-ella Versace.”
Alongside her illustrations, Hicks has become known for short Instagram and TikTok reels where she reconstructs outfits from catwalks and red carpets using household objects—a trash bag could double as a black leather skirt, an ice pack as earrings, and Ferrero Rocher wrappers as gold buttons. Originally from London, Hicks has made Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, her home for the past couple of years. Here, she shares her neighborhood essentials.
Untable
This Thai restaurant, which recently opened on Henry Street, has a $15 lunch special. It’s a great spot for dinner, too, and the cocktails are delicious. They don’t take reservations, which is a breath of fresh air in a city that suddenly seems to book out three weeks in advance. (instagram)
Lucali
The name precedes it. But the best pizzeria in New York also doesn’t take reservations, so you have to line up around the block starting around three or four P.M. for the chance to score a table. In the warmer months it doesn’t really matter—I’ll wander over with my dog and call my mom while I wait. You can also do takeout, but be warned—place those orders in advance, too! (lucali)
BrookLYn Social
This is the nearest bar to my house and also my favorite. If you manage to score a table at Lucali, might I recommend you come here for a drink before or after … or both. The cocktails are phenomenal and the place isn’t fussy. They have some tables and chairs on the street outside in the summertime, which is my favorite place to sit. (brooklynsocialbar)
Bruno’s Hardware store
This shop on Court Street is an incredible place. It’s small and compact relative to Lowe’s (not too far away, in Gowanus), but they have everything you may need and the service is outstanding. They also always pick up the phone! Which isn’t as common anymore.
Wangs
A little further out in Park Slope, this restaurant serves the best chicken wings I’ve ever had. It’s a little window on Union between my place and the park. (wangsbk)
The Long island bar
This neighborhood staple on Atlantic Avenue is a great, longstanding diner and bar. They have cheese curds—which I love! I first tried them here, and fell in love with them. (thelongislandbar)
salter house
This divine home store across the street from the Long Island Bar is filled with things you may not necessarily need but definitely want to fill your home with. They’ve actually just opened up a second location in the East Village. (salter.house)
Marco polo
This restaurant on Court Street is a classic Italian restaurant. It’s been there since 1983. I actually celebrated my 30th birthday there the same year they celebrated their 40th. I love it there, it feels like home. (marcopoloristorante)
Caputo’s
This is my go-to deli where I buy prosciutto, soppressata, mozzarella, bresaola, and the like. They also make their own ravioli, which I buy if I’m having too many people over for dinner and am feeling lazy. (caputosfinefoods)
ACQ BAkery
I buy a loaf from this stall at the Carroll Park farmers market nearly every Sunday. They make the most delicious milk bread I’ve ever tried. The cookies are also good, as are all the other breads.
MIchael’s
This is a chain but it’s the best place in town for arts and crafts. Think diamanté stickers and pearls. They also have an extensive bakery section and an array of fake plants and flowers. Walking in here makes me happy. No explanation needed—it just does. (michaels)
