New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [159]
If you’re stumped on what to buy the man in your life, head to Dunhill. The menswear is exquisitely tailored; the accessories like wallets and cuff links are slightly more affordable. The walk-in humidor stores top-quality tobacco and cigars. | 545 Madison Ave., at E. 55th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/753–9292 | Subway: F to 57th St.
Emanuel Ungaro.
The vibrant shocking pink of the stairway will keep you alert as you browse through swell ladies-who-lunch daytime suits and grande-dame, sometimes bead-encrusted, evening wear. | 1 W. 58th St., near 5th Ave., Midtown East | 10019 | 212/249–4090 | Subway: N, R to 59th St.
Gianni Versace.
The architecture here, with its marble floor and glittering chandeliers, provides the perfect backdrop for the outrageous designs and colors of Versace clothes. The brand’s housewares and bedding collection is also available here. | 647 5th Ave., near E. 51st St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/317–0224 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Gucci.
Located in the Trump Building, this 46,000-square-foot flagship with floor-to-ceiling glass windows is the largest Gucci store in the world. Shoppers will find a special “heritage” department, plus goods exclusive to the store. The clothing is less aggressively sexy than it was in the Tom Ford era, but still edgy. Skintight pants might be paired with a luxe leather jacket; silk tops leave a little more to the imagination. The accessories, like wraparound shades or snakeskin shoes, many with signature horsebit detailing, continue to spark consumer frenzies. | 725 5th Ave., at 56th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/826–2600 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Tommy Hilfiger.
The global flagship oozes old-school Americana, with its dark-wood paneling, shirts displayed on bookshelves, and scattering of antiques. It’s filled with tailored suits for men, smart sweater sets and pencil skirts for women, and evening wear along with sportswear, plus a whole floor devoted to denim. | 681 5th Ave., at 54th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/223–1824 | Subway: E, M to 53rd St.
Yves Saint Laurent.
Tom Ford’s successor, Stephano Pilati, is lightening up the fabled French house. Think seduction instead of sexpot, with white trench coats, Grecian column dresses, and ruffled silk blouses. | 3 E. 57th St., between 5th and Madison Aves., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/980–2970 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St..
Department Stores
Bloomingdale’s.
Only a few stores in New York occupy an entire city block; the uptown branch of this New York institution is one of them. The main floor is a crazy, glittery maze of mirrored cosmetic counters and perfume-spraying salespeople. Once you get past this dizzying scene, you can find good buys on designer clothes, bedding, and housewares. | 1000 3rd Ave., main entrance at E. 59th St. and Lexington Ave., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/705–2000 | Subway: N, R, 4, 5, 6 to 59th St./Lexington Ave.
Saks Fifth Avenue.
A fashion- and beauty-only department store, Saks sells an astonishing array of clothing. The choice of American and European designers is impressive without being esoteric—the women’s selection includes Gucci, Narciso Rodriguez, and Marc Jacobs, plus devastating ball gowns galore. The footwear collections are gratifyingly broad, from Ferragamo to Juicy. In the men’s department, sportswear stars such as John Varvatos counterbalance formal wear and current trends. The ground-floor beauty department stocks everything from the classic (Sisley, Lancôme, La Prairie) to the fun and edgy (Nars, M.A.C.). | 611 5th Ave., between E. 49th and E. 50th Sts., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/753–4000 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Home Decor
Muji.
If you’re into simple, chic, cheap style, Muji will be your trifecta. The name of this Japanese import translates to “no brand,” and indeed, you won’t find a logo plastered on the housewares or clothes. Instead, their hallmark is streamlined, often monochromatic design. The whole range of goods, from milky porcelain teapots to wooden toys, is invariably user-friendly. At this branch, you can glimpse