Guest Edit

Alan Eckstein’s Favorite Things

The former fashion designer channels his artist’s eye into Somerset House, the interiors firm he co-founded with his wife, Haley Loewenthal, in 2020. This week, they open a new, 10,000-square-foot showroom in Long Island City’s Metropolitan Building, originally constructed in 1909 and now being restored as a creative hub. Part vintage gallery, part design studio, part restoration workshop, Somerset House’s new space embodies Eckstein’s eye for contrast: Italian and Danish modern alongside primitive and baroque, all under vaulted skylights and 15-foot ceilings. Here, he shares his style obsessions.

Casa Bosques Chocolates

$14

Black Toasted Sesame Seeds, Cacao Shell & Nibs Chocolate Bar

“The packaging knocks you out. Then you eat a piece and think, ‘This is the best chocolate I have ever had in my life.’ Every time.”

Drake’s

$1,995

Green Waxed Cotton Expedition Parka

“Perfect men’s wear. Tailored, casual, wear-forever craftsmanship. This coat would get me through a New York winter.”

Milk Teeth

$42

Licorice Stripe Pant

“My son Luke has been wearing these pants in every size since he started wearing clothing.”

Prada

$1,220

Brushed Leather Loafers

“I want to wear Prada penny loafers forever.”

Nickey Kehoe

$6,800

Friis & Moltke Dining Chairs

“Nickey Kehoe’s design collection is great but don’t sleep on the site’s vintage page.”

Somerset House

$13,900

Pair of Marco Zanuso Red Lady Armchairs

“A vintage piece I bring back whenever they are available. Marco Zanuso made extremely ahead-of-his-time furniture. We upholstered this set in a luscious burgundy mohair from Dedar Milano.”