With all eyes on Manhattan for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, we turn our gaze towards Brooklyn—where world-class designers are not only sourcing their inspiration, but are letting it run free on some of the most stylish streets in the world.

The engaging mix of fashion-forward and in-your-face edgy style that has come to define Brooklyn’s character is never more apparent than in Williamsburg, one of the borough’s most infamous and desirable neighborhoods.  Attempting to gain insight on where the fashionable find their inspiration (and their coffee), I caught up with Anne, who’s eclectic boutique, Task, has been at the forefront of Williamsburg’s emersion at the top of the creative food chain.

There is something quintessentially loveable about the neighborhood to residents like Anne. So seductive is its draw that a year after opening her shop, Anne moved into a building on the very same block of North 3rd street.  A particularly choice stretch in the ever-evolving Williamsburg, Anne takes the idea of fashion beyond mere clothing, describing her street as virtual runway of Brooklyn style: “There is the one-and-only ‘bean to bar’ Mast Brothers chocolate factory; the excellently-curated second-hand book store, Book Thug Nation; and, just around the corner, the exquisite Hollander and Lexer, who have recently expanded by introducing a line of women’s clothing [in addition to their stunning menswear].” Truly, what other block in any other neighborhood might find passers-by stumbling upon an artisanal heirloom blue jeans company, a surf shop built entirely out of reclaimed wood, and a Brooklyn Oenology outpost in just a handful of footsteps?

Mast Brother’s Chocolate

Book Thug Nation

Hollander & Lexer

The Pilgrim Surf Shop

When nosing around the stylish wares and eyeing the devastatingly well-dressed employees has built up an appetite, one need not look beyond the very same block.  A quirky, gourmet pastry from Depanneur and a cup of excellent Modca coffee, just might do the trick.  Should you prefer a deeper sustenance, the newly-opened farm-to-table restaurant, Parish Hall, has wooed Anne with their succulent pressed ham and cheese sandwiches.

Grab a bite at Depanneur’s

“Lest you think that I never leave my block,” Anne demurs, “I also love biking up the riverfront into Greenpoint, which has some really cute shops and cafes and is a designated historical district with lovely old homes and warehouses.”

If there was a Brooklyn-only fashion week, Anne’s top picks for local designers are aforementioned Hollander and Lexer; Helena Fredriksson who creates simple but unique silhouettes; and Mary Meyer’s bold graphics and philosophy of keeping it affordable. There’s also Mina Stone, Suzanne Rae, The Williamsburg Garment Company, Pamela Love.

Many of these designers can be found at Task, as well as Stuart and Wright, Bird, Oak, Dear Fieldbinder and Jumelle.

This was a guest post from Ava Federov.