Inside TWO New York’s DUMBO Design Studio with Monica Patel-Cohn

We visited Monica in her studio at 45 Main Street to talk about the story behind Two, the fabrics she loves, and why, after calling DUMBO home since 2000, it was the natural place to open her business.

What inspired you to create TWO, and how has the brand evolved over the years?

Monica: Two is an ode to my parents. My father is Indian and as a child, I was drawn to the gorgeous textiles I would see on relatives and in India. My mother is Italian from Milan. She had a clothing store of European designers in the ‘80s, and I hope I picked up some of that DNA. I wanted to create modern, minimal clothing in natural textiles.

Your work celebrates traditional handwoven textiles. What draws you to these techniques, and why are they important to preserve?

Monica: I love the feel of the fabrics, and I am attracted to the textures and all the beautiful techniques that represent different regions of the world. So being in my studio surrounded by living breathing fabrics is my happy place. Very therapeutic and where I feel at home. 

Everything we do is rooted in something meaningful to us. We pay close attention to the details, giving each piece a handcrafted touch with a distinctly New York sensibility.Preserving that approach is important because handmade things are becoming increasingly rare. The human touch carries culture, craftsmanship, and story in a way that can’t be replicated.

What does a typical day in your DUMBO studio look like?

Monica: I walk to the studio with my rescue dog, Olive, and grab my coffee from the Fishs Eddy café. When I arrive I say hello to outdoorman Terrance, then check on our incoming orders so we can get them out as quickly as possible. My afternoon is spent catching up on design, production, and client appointments.

Is there anything you're currently working on that you're especially excited about?

Monica: We recently took a stitching class at Tatter in Brooklyn, and it was incredibly inspiring. We came away with a lot of ideas that we’re already starting to bring into our own work. I'm excited to continue exploring these techniques an incorporate them into our latest collection.

What makes DUMBO a good fit for TWO and your creative process?

Monica: I moved to Dumbo in 2000, so this neighborhood has always felt like home. One of the things I admire most is its longstanding commitment to the arts. It's something I find incredibly refreshing, and I hope it continues for years to come. There’s still so much potential in DUMBO, and that’s part of what makes it such an inspiring place to live and create.

And finally, what's your favorite thing about coming to work in DUMBO each day? Is there a neighborhood spot you love?

Monica: I love riding my bike on a quieter day when things have slowed down from the busy summer. When it’s stormy, I like to treat myself to a lunch nearby at ABC Kitchen or Cecconi’s at the bar. I also love taking advantage of our roofdeck at 45 Main Street whenever I can. Some of my favorite neighborhood spots include grabbing a quick lunch at Dawn’s, browsing for last minute needs at Modern Chemist, and I cannot wait for the next record release party at Vinyl Verias.