New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [167]
Michael Kors.
In his deft reworkings of American classics, Project Runway judge Kors gives sportswear the luxury treatment, as with cream-color cashmere pullovers. An industrial element is creeping in, too, with chunky gold-chain detailing on buttery leather bags and jewelry. | 974 Madison Ave., at E. 76th St., Upper East Side | 10075 | 212/452–4685 | Subway: 6 to 77th St.
Morgane Le Fay.
The clothes here have a dreamy, ethereal quality that is decidedly feminine. Silk gowns are fluid and soft; fitted velvet jackets have covered buttons. Her dresses are also popular with brides who want a minimalist look. | 980 Madison Ave., between E. 76th and E. 77th Sts., Upper East Side | 10075 | 212/879–9700 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Oscar de la Renta.
The ladylike yet lighthearted runway designs of this upper-crust favorite got their first U.S. store here. Skirts swing, ruffles billow, embroidery brightens up tweed, and even a tennis dress looks like something you could go dancing in. | 772 Madison Ave., at E. 66th St., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/288–5810 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Polo Ralph Lauren.
Even if you can’t afford the clothes, come just to soak up the luxe RL lifestyle. This brand-new women’s flagship is housed in a 22,000-square-foot building built to look like a historic Beaux-Arts mansion (or small palace), complete with a curving marble staircase and stone floors. In addition to the complete women’s collection, the brand’s lingerie and home wares, and its first fine-jewelry and watch salon are here. The men’s collection is just across the street in the Rhinelander Mansion. | 888 Madison Ave., at E. 72nd St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/606–2100 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Reed Krakoff.
Coach’s president and creative director has branched out to launch his own luxury lifestyle store. The clothing has an edgy look, with little black dresses in heavy wool, and massive cuff bracelets. The handbags and shoes, however, lean more toward ladylike. | 831 Madison Ave., between 69th and 70th Sts., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/988–0560 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Roberto Cavalli.
Rock-star style (at rock-star prices) delivers denim decked with fur, feathers, animal prints, and even shredded silk overlays in this temple to the over-the-top. | 711 Madison Ave., at E. 63rd St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/755–7722 | Subway: N, R to 5th Ave./59th St.
Tom Ford.
Ford is famous for making Gucci supersexy, but the menswear here veers toward the traditional—albeit impeccably made. Shirts come in more than 300 hues, and off-the-rack suits start around $3,000. Glide up the ebony staircase for the made-to-measure services, which will customize anything from suits to pajamas. Don’t miss the fragrance chamber either. | 845 Madison Ave., at E. 70th St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/359–0300 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Valentino.
The mix here is at once audacious and beautifully cut; the fur or feather trimmings, low necklines, and opulent fabrics are about as close as you can get to celluloid glamour. No one does a better red. | 747 Madison Ave., at E. 65th St., Upper East Side | 10065 | 212/772–6969 | Subway: 6 to 68th St./Hunter College.
Vera Wang.
This star wedding-dress designer churns out dreamy dresses that are sophisticated without being over-the-top. Choose from A-line and princess styles, and slinky sheaths. If money is no object, bespoke wedding dresses are available. Appointments are essential. | 991 Madison Ave., at E. 77th St., Upper East Side | 10021 | 212/628–3400 | Subway: 6 to 77th St.
Vilebrequin.
Allow St-Tropez to influence your swimsuit; these striped, floral, and solid-color French-made trunks come in sunny hues. Waterproof pocket inserts keep your essentials safe from beachcombers. Many styles come in boys’ sizes, too. | 1070 Madison Ave., at E. 81st