New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [163]
Harry Winston.
These jewels regularly adorn celebs at the Oscars, and you’ll need an A-list bank account to shop here. The ice-clear diamonds are of impeccable quality, and are set in everything from emerald-cut solitaire rings to wreath necklaces resembling strings of flowers. No wonder the jeweler was immortalized in the song “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” | 718 5th Ave., at W. 56th St., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/245–2000 | Subway: F to 57th St.
Mikimoto.
The Japanese originator of the cultured pearl, Mikimoto presents a glowing display of high-luster pearls. Besides the creamy strands from their own pearl farms, check out diamond-and-pearl earrings, bracelets, and rings. | 730 5th Ave., between W. 56th and W. 57th Sts., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/457–4600 | Subway: F to 57th St.
Museum Stores
Museum of Arts and Design.
In this museum’s new home, the gift shop stocks crafts such as beautiful handmade tableware, unusual jewelry, and rugs, often tied in to ongoing exhibits. | 2 Columbus Circle, at 8th Ave., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/299–7777 | Subway: 1, A, B, C, D to 59th St./Columbus Circle.
Museum of Modern Art Design and Book Store.
The redesigned MoMA expanded its in-house shop with a huge selection of art posters and a gorgeous selection of coffee-table books on painting, sculpture, film, and photography. Across the street is the MoMA Design Store, where you can find Charles and Ray Eames furniture reproductions, vases designed by Alvar Aalto, and lots of clever trinkets. | 11 W. 53rd St., between 5th and 6th Aves., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/708–9700 | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Music Stores
Colony Music.
Siphoning energy from Times Square, this place keeps its neon blinking until 1 am Monday through Saturday, and midnight on Sunday. Inspired by the Broadway musical or concert you’ve just seen? Snap up the sheet music, CD, or karaoke set here. | 1619 Broadway, at W. 49th St., Midtown West | 10019 | 212/265–2050 | Subway: R to 49th St.
Performing Arts Memorabilia
Drama Book Shop.
If you’re looking for a script, be it a lesser-known Russian translation or a Broadway hit, chances are you can find it here. The range of books spans film, music, dance, TV, and biographies. The shop also hosts Q&As with leading playwrights. | 250 W. 40th St., between 7th and 8th Aves., Midtown West | 10018 | 212/944–0595 | Subway: A, C, E to 42nd St./Port Authority.
One Shubert Alley.
This was the first store to sell Broadway merchandise outside of a theater. Today souvenir posters, tees, and other knickknacks memorializing past and present Broadway hits still reign at this Theater District shop. | 1 Shubert Alley, between W. 44th and W. 45th Sts., Midtown West | 10001 | 212/944–4133 | Subway: N, Q, R, S, 1, 2, 3 to 42nd St./Times Sq.
Triton Gallery.
Theatrical posters large and small are available, and the selection is democratic, with everything from Marlene Dietrich’s Blue Angel to recent Broadway shows represented. | 630 9th Ave., between W. 44th and W. 45th Sts., Suite 808, Midtown West | 10036 | 212/765–2472 | Subway: A, E to 42nd St./Port Authority.
Shoes, Handbags, and Leather Goods
Christian Louboutin.
Lipstick-red soles are the signature of Louboutin’s delicately sexy couture slippers and stilettos, and his latest, larger downtown store has carpeting to match. The pointy-toe creations come trimmed with brocade, tassels, buttons, or satin ribbons. | 965 Madison Ave., between E. 75th and E. 76th Sts., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/396–1884 | Subway: 6 to 77th St.
Cole-Haan.
This once-conservative brand now shines with shoes made in exotic skins like python and crocodile; for warm weather, check out the orange suede thongs for men and metallic gladiator sandals for women. If comfort is key, many shoes have Nike Air cushioning in the heels. | 620 5th Ave., at Rockefeller