With the exception of the spandex unitard, the Olympic Games doesn't exactly evoke images of high style. But downtown retailers Opening Ceremony chose to use it as a form of inspiration anyway. A combination of store-showroom-gallery, the shop seeks out international designers that aren't as widely represented in the States, giving the spotlight to one "visiting" nation a year. The brainchild of co-founders Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, this unconventional retail formula gives global fashion an entirely fresh platform for shoppers on the hunt for really far-out pieces.

Opening Ceremony also produces their own line for the store, and this season welcomes a preppy-cool collection with belted polos, deep V-neck pullovers, and neatly tailored pinstriped skirts and shorts trimmed in rope. This season Sweden holds court at Opening Ceremony.