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Valentino
(Photo: Courtesy of the vendor) |
AUGUST
Designer fashion:
Anya Hindmarch
The iconic Paraphernalia boutique where Warhol and Twiggy cavorted is now the inaugural U.S. flagship for Anya Hindmarch—she of the once-cultish I’M NOT A PLASTIC BAG totes and other, more understated luxury handbags. The first floor houses the mainline collection, including backgammon-inspired clutches ($1,595) and slouchy cross-body satchels replete with phone, coin, and credit-card compartments ($1,350). Hit the second level for customized luggage and other leather goods, which can be embossed with personal photographs as well as the standard initials. 795 Madison Ave., nr. 67th St.
Valentino
Valentino’s first-ever townhouse boutique is a marbled, 5,300-square-foot space spanning four floors (including a pastel-walled VIP suite complete with a faux fireplace). The selection of women’s ready-to-wear and accessories includes exclusive pieces from fall’s Noir Rockstud collection—like a snakeskin tote ($8,595), a leather chain-mail evening bag ($3,045), and pointy-toe T-strap pumps ($2,695)—all bedecked with signature black pyramid studs. 821 Madison Ave., nr. 69th St.
Badgley Mischka
Good news for the gala-going set: Badgley Mischka is finally unveiling a New York boutique. The townhouse, formerly ruled by Pucci, has a garden level dedicated to bridal appointments, a parlor floor for couture and ready-to-wear (off-the-shoulder, ruched jersey gowns for $900, long-sleeve, sequined cocktail dresses for $500), and a VIP upper level, where neighborhood ladies can model in front of the seventeenth-century Parisian mirrors undisturbed. 24 E. 64th St., nr. Madison Ave.
Vinyl, books, and beyond:
Captured Tracks
Mike Sniper, ex–Blank Dogs front man and founder of indie label Captured Tracks (Beach Fossils, Thieves Like Us), has spent the last few years plundering rare vinyl collections far and wide. The fruits of his labors are now amassed at Captured Tracks’ new Greenpoint record store and “trading post”—a place for patrons to submit their records and recording gear to be appraised by Sniper for store credit. Bonus attraction: bimonthly booths curated by assorted local artists and celebrities, flogging everything from mix tapes to eighties Swatch watches. 195 Calyer St., nr. Leonard St., Greenpoint; 718-609-0870.
Astoria Bookshop, Enigma Bookstore
As any smug Williamsburger can tell you, the sine qua non of a self-sufficient nabe is a clean, well-lighted place for books. Yet Astorians have forever been forced, for their literary fix, to train it to Manhattan. Two ambitious upstarts intend to change all that. The Astoria Bookshop, brainchild of Simon & Schuster veteran Lexi Beach, will tailor its stock to the predominantly theatrical bent of the local creatives as well as to the steadily encroaching stroller set. Enigma Bookstore, a self-described “urban geek clubhouse,” goes the niche route, focusing exclusively on the nerdly trinity of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. 31-29 31st St., nr. Broadway; 718-278-2665. 33-17 Crescent St., nr. Broadway; 718-274-2665.
SEPTEMBER
Home goods:
Fendi Casa
Fendi picked a fittingly palatial space for its premier home-collection store in New York. A little over half of the richly lacquered 11,800 square feet is devoted to the Milanese brand’s muted, modern furnishings like supple leather sectional couches (hand-stitched in Italy and priced in the $30,000 range). The rest is given over to other luxury-living brands like Bentley Home. 153 Madison Ave., at 32nd St.; 646-596-9610.
Beauty and accessories:
Alexander Olch
When Alexander Olch moved back home to his native New York eleven years ago, the Harvard grad drew skeptics who didn’t believe his handmade neckties and pocket rounds could compete with made-in-Italy labels. Now, of course, local craftsmanship is all the rage, and with that comes Olch’s debut storefront: an intimate neckwear haven flush with tartan handkerchiefs, basket-weave bow ties, and velvet suspenders (ranging from $60 to $150). They’re displayed in neatly indexed, library-inspired catalogue drawers—all designed and produced in the city. 14 Orchard St., nr. Canal St.
Vinyl, books, and beyond:
Hullabaloo Books
Community-building impresario Michael de Zayas has helmed a number of additions to this gentrifying row of Crown Heights, including the Little Zelda café, Wedge Cheesemongers, and, now, Hullabaloo Books. As much a nonprofit event space as a bookstore, it will host readings, speakers, storytelling events, and free writing workshops for both teens and adults. The store’s centerpiece: an outdoor reading space that de Zayas calls an “evocative street garden.” 711A Franklin Ave., nr. Park Pl., Crown Heights.
OCTOBER
Fast fashion:
Burlington Coat Factory
The bargain giant is spreading heavily discounted fashions across 70,000 square feet in the North Bronx and 55,000 in East Harlem. The former is the site previously occupied by kids’ department store Cookie’s (luckily Burlington has a massive Baby Depot section to fill the void); the latter joins Target at the East River Plaza. In both locations, 65 percent–off deals extend to everything from men’s designer suits to plush area rugs and, of course, the largest selection of coats in the nation. 2543 Webster Ave., nr. Fordham Rd., the Bronx; 718-365-1902; and 517 E. 117th St., nr. FDR Dr.
