Lyndsey Butler

Occupation CEO and Creative Director of VEDA

Hometown Texas

Current Residence Chinatown

“Born in Texas, raised by New York City,” reads the opening salvo of Lyndsey Butler’s biography on the Veda website—the clothing label she founded at the age of 24. What started out as a purely leather-focused brand has expanded to a full ready-to-wear line, and achieved high praise along the way. We asked Lyndsey about her hobbies and here’s what she told us: “I work a lot, which sometimes makes me forget I have other interests outside of fashion and business but I do! I like to travel, read, look at art. The last couple of years, I have been getting more involved with charities and organizations that are meaningful to me, like the Women’s Prison Association. I hope to incorporate more of this into the work we do at Veda.”

WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE?
I’ll be there in 5.

WHAT’S INSPIRING YOU NOW—ANYTHING YOU’RE LISTENING TO, READING OR LOOKING AT?
I have been re-reading and loving Lucia Berlin’s A Manual for Cleaning Women. They are so cinematic. She writes a lot about West Texas and South America, two places I spent a lot of time in growing up, so I think they are very nostalgic for me. And all of her stories have dynamic strong female protagonists which is inspiring. I also recently watched Fleabag, which is amazing and I highly recommend. The main character is flawed and honest and deplorable and vulnerable, not something you see too often on television. I guess I am liking things with strong female leads!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NYC RESTAURANTS? WHAT DO YOU ORDER?
Uncle Boons—green mango salad, crab fried rice and a tamarind margarita; Lalito—chickpea guacamole, vegan caesar and a spicy mango margarita; Via Carota—cacio e pepe and a negroni.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE GO-TO SPOT IN NYC FOR DRINKS?
Metrograph is a great spot for a cozy drink. In summer, I prefer to drink outside: Kiki’s if you can get a window seat; Grand Banks; Dante; Barrio Chino…

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR ART FIX IN NYC? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE NYC ARTIST?
Lately, I have been enjoying the new Whitney, it is the perfect size (not too big, not too small). I love the use of the outdoor space/stairs. I also highly recommend going to the ballet. If you don’t know much about dance that’s totally fine. The whole experience is just magical.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LATE-NIGHT HANGOUTS?
My bed…I’m kidding (kind of)! I’m old, I don’t really go out too late anymore. But, I love living in a city where it is totally an option any night of the week. Primo’s is a cute late-night spot. I like that it’s not too big and it feels classy. But, I also love Tropical bar on Elizabeth Street because it is super random and has games (pool, Pac-Man, etc.).

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR UNDER-THE-RADAR MUST-DO RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NYC VISITORS?
Get a sandwich from Pisillo Italian Panini (they don’t actually have paninis) in the financial district and then walk a few blocks to Manhatta for a cocktail and the most incredible view of the island from a rare vantage point (60 floors up at the southernmost tip). Pro Tip: time it just right so you catch the sunset.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE NYC STORES?
Forty Five Ten and 4510/six at Hudson Yards is the best store in NYC. It is so inspiring. I also love Coming Soon on Orchard Street and Nikki Chasin’s outpost on Ludlow Street. DS & Durga for scents. McNally Jackson for books.

WHEN YOU THINK OF NYC, ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR MEMORIES OR EMOTIONS THAT COME TO MIND?
I have lived in NYC for the last 18 years, but I still remember what it was like when I first moved here. I didn’t know anyone in the city and I would just walk around the East Village for hours. It was both totally thrilling and totally scary to be surrounded by so many people but also feel completely alone.