
For the first edition of “Off the Beaten Path”, we are heading to the Big Apple to visit a hidden, but popular destination for many tourists: Mood. If you are a fan of the hit reality show, “Project Runway”, you know all about Mood! If not, I will explain...
Project Runway pits aspiring fashion designers against each other for big prizes. Contestants are expected to create clothing from such “unconventional” items as parachutes, coffee filters, car parts, candy…you get the idea.
Sound crazy? It is! That’s the fun of the show!
So how does Mood come into this and exactly what is it? Mood is the fabric store where contestants purchase materials to be used in the other, more conventional challenges.
Now, down to business…
How to get there:
Finding Mood can be a bit tricky, unless you know where to look. The store is hidden inside a business building on the third floor. As the elevator doors open, there's Mood, directly in front of you, in all its glory!
There are four essential things you MUST do when visiting Mood:
Project Runway pits aspiring fashion designers against each other for big prizes. Contestants are expected to create clothing from such “unconventional” items as parachutes, coffee filters, car parts, candy…you get the idea.
Sound crazy? It is! That’s the fun of the show!
So how does Mood come into this and exactly what is it? Mood is the fabric store where contestants purchase materials to be used in the other, more conventional challenges.
Now, down to business…
How to get there:
Finding Mood can be a bit tricky, unless you know where to look. The store is hidden inside a business building on the third floor. As the elevator doors open, there's Mood, directly in front of you, in all its glory!
There are four essential things you MUST do when visiting Mood:

1) you must take a picture of yourself under the Mood sign;

2) you must purchase some type of Mood paraphernalia;
ie: a t-shirt, a bag, etc.;

3) you must get your picture taken with Swatch (Swatch is the boston terrier that hangs out in Mood). It's not difficult to find him. He is usually stretched out somewhere on the floor, resting from the all attention;

Another place to snap a photo is in front of Parsons The New School for Design. Parsons is located around the corner and up a bit from Mood. This where is the actual design work, and the ensuing drama of the show takes place. You may not be able to get inside here, but you may see Tim Gunn walking around, if you’re VERY lucky.

One final tip: the Mood bag is HUGE and you can stuff A LOT of things into it. If you are looking for an extra carry on to get all those Mood items you purchased home, this bag is perfect!
‘Til next time,
BC