Countless visitors and locals are awed and delighted by New York City's unabashedly extravagant luxury flagship stores. Since the turn of the last century, the world's top designers and fashion houses have staked their claims to the City's most opulent stretches of Midtown real estate, particularly along Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue and 57th Street—and more recently downtown, in SoHo and NoLIta. Though luxury stores can be found in big cities the world over, no one does luxury quite like New York City. Not only do we harbor the world's largest Dolce & Gabbana outlet, the City also features the original Tory Burch store and the Armani/5th Avenue mega-shop with in-house restaurant Armani/Ristorante, serving Michelin-starred chef Lorenzo Viani's fine Italian cuisine. New York's vintage shops may cache one-of-a-kind, thrifty finds, and its iconic department stores remain forever fabulous, but its luxury-brand flagships offer a shopping (and window-shopping) experience unlike any other.
Upper East Side
672 Madison Ave., 212-359-0300
After becoming a superstar as the design mastermind behind Gucci's explosive revival in the 1990s, Tom Ford departed the brand in 2004 to create his own line of luxury menswear under his namesake label. Three years later, Ford opened his William Sofield–designed concept shop on Madison Avenue, now with a full line of both men's and women's wear, accessories and a much sought-after cosmetics line. Ford’s signature suit, which is polished and elegant, provides a striking silhouette. The dress shirt comes in hundreds of colors, with dozens of fabric options, and a number of cuff styles and collar choices. The shop's two levels include a well-stocked floor of ready-to-wear apparel, complete with a fireplace, beaver rugs and butlers; three appointment-only, made-to-measure suit salons; and a marble-floored, mirror-lined perfume bar.
815 Madison Ave., 646-439-0381
Jeanne Lanvin launched the label in 1889, but much of Lanvin's current prominence is owed to former creative director Alber Elbaz, who has overseen the line since 2001 and has drawn a following that includes the likes of Michelle Obama and Victoria Beckham. The three-level townhouse turned boutique features two-story Palladian windows, art deco chandeliers, a furry white shag rug and plenty of seating from which to take in Lanvin's feminine and elegant women's ready-to-wear, couture and accessories collections.
1009 Madison Ave., 212-517-9339
Fans of the glamorous Italian designer line and its colorful prints can find a complete selection of women’s and men’s clothing, including tops, pants, dresses, tunics, sweaters, cardigans, swimwear and accessories, as well as towels, linens and other home goods—even teddy bears patterned in the brand’s trademark zigzag stripes. Missoni devotees can also worship downtown at M Missoni, the brand’s first flagship dedicated to its lower-priced label ($250–$1,000).
Céline. Photo: Alexander Thompson
650 Madison Ave., 212-535-3703
Designed by creative director Hedi Slimane, NYC’s Celine flagship incorporates natural materials like lava stone and black granite against an industrial sculptural interior. The outpost includes furniture designed by Slimane himself and site-specific artworks from Jose Dávila and James Balmforth. This is the world’s largest Celine store—so you’ll have no problem finding men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, along with tons of bags.
Chloe. Photo: Brittany Petronella
93 Greene St., (646) 350-1770
This French fashion house is defined by its ultrafeminine approach to clothing. Everything here is bohemian and elegant, with a mixture of soft pinks and creams—the label’s go-to colors—omnipresent in both the wares and the decor. This spacious Madison Avenue outpost carries apparel, accessories and handbags—most notably the Drew saddlebag, which is among its major draws.
797 Madison Ave., 212-510-8371
New York City socialite turned designer Tory Burch opened her first boutique in 2004 and nearly sold out her inventory the first day. The Madison Avenue flagship store feels fresh and chic, with bold, edamame-green accented walls, purple hydrangeas and black-and-white carpeting. Burch's brand of country-club chic has generated the wildly popular Reva ballet flat, which comes in an assortment of colors and leathers, adorned with a shiny cutout of the double-T logo. The boutique carries women's wear, accessories, handbags, shoes and Burch’s cosmetics line.
747 Madison Ave., 212-645-1797
Despite Alexander McQueen's death in 2010, his namesake label, now helmed by creative director Sarah Burton, continues producing avant-garde runway shows, edgy garments and a skull-embellished line of scarves. The new flagship store, conceptualized by Burton, echoes the label's extravagant feel with Baroque moldings, a black marble floor and a white, gray and blush color scheme throughout. Shop for everything from shoes and accessories to ready-to-wear and runway collections.
20 East 63rd St. 212-813-0005
Founded in 1853, Maison Goyard is one of the oldest and most luxurious trunk makers around. The luxury brand recently opened its first NYC boutique (and first US flagship) in a former Upper East Side townhouse. This location joins the brand’s other flagships in Paris and London. The iconic Goyardine canvas bags and trunks are available at this location, as are special initialed and monogrammed options.
Gianvito Rossi. Photo: Julienne Schaer
963 Madison Ave., 646-869-0201
This flagship store from luxury shoe designer Gianvito Rossi boasts 1,000 square feet and a design by Milan-based architect Patricia Urquiola, with beautiful oak floors, pink accents and shelves that curve throughout the store. After opening stores in London, Paris, Hong Kong and Milan, this is the first NYC brick-and-mortar showcasing the Italian design house's enviable shoe line, which includes the coveted
Valentino. Courtesy, Valentino
Midtown
693 Fifth Ave., 212-772-6969
Alluding to the architectural style of a palazzo but adding a modernist edge, the Valentino flagship exudes every bit of the aesthetic elegance the brand is known for. Designed by architect David Chipperfield, the 20,000-square-foot space boasts Venetian terrazzo marble; gray mosaic floors; brass, leather and wood fixtures; and a 27-foot-high atrium and sculptural staircase that traverses the store’s three levels. The first two floors carry women's clothing and accessories, which means plenty of Rockstud gear, while the third floor showcases men's clothing, couture outerwear and accessories. The store, the label’s largest flagship in the world, offers made-to-measure denim and select outerwear for men; the clothes are fitted, tailored and customized by Valentino's couture atelier.
Courtesy, Tiffany & Co.
6 E. 57th St., 212-755-8000
The flagship of this iconic jewelry store has dazzled shoppers from the same Fifth Avenue location since 1940. The store's six floors showcase fine jewelry, from sterling-silver logo-engraved cuff bracelets and cufflinks to diamond engagement rings and watches to a full line of fine china and stemware. Signature pieces include the Tiffany Key necklace collection, which ranges from $150 to over $5,000, depending on materials, and the Elsa Peretti–designed cursive alphabet pendants, available in gold and silver. (Note: the flagship has moved to a temporary location around the corner while the Fifth Avenue store undergoes renovation, which should be finished by the end of 2021.)
Cartier. Photo: Tagger Yancey IV
653 Fifth Ave., 212-446-3400
The famed French jeweler and watchmaker moved to its present six-story Fifth Avenue flagship location, a former private mansion, in 1917. The elegant emporium boasts classic collections like Santos de Cartier, based on the brand's original squared-bezel, first-ever men's wristwatch, and Panthère de Cartier, a collection of fierce feline pieces in white or yellow gold, many speckled with diamonds and set with precious gemstones to form the eyes and nose. A coveted Cartier timepiece starts at around $2,500 and climbs into the millions.
717 Fifth Ave., 212-339-5950
When Giorgio Armani designed Richard Gere's wardrobe for American Gigolo back in 1980, he secured a spotlight on the Armani suit, known for impeccable tailoring and ultraclean lines, that it has not since relinquished. The recently redesigned Madison Avenue flagship is the first to house all Armani apparel lines for men and women (from Giorgio to Jeans) in one location, as well as accessories, cosmetics, Armani/Casa, Armani/Ristorante and Armani/Dolci. The sleek space, designed by Massimiliano & Doriana Fuksas Architects, features glossy black floors, reserved VIP fitting rooms and a glowing-white grand staircase that winds like ribbon through the store's four floors.
9 E. 57th St., 212-407-7100
The British brand's impressive six-story American headquarters in Midtown is the largest in the US. The company, founded in 1856, has been indelibly associated for generations with the enduringly popular trench coat, which it invented during World War I to outfit soldiers fighting on the front lines. Find the now-iconic tan Burberry raincoat and countless variations lined with Burberry plaid, along with men's and women's casual wear, outerwear, formalwear and accessories and clothes for kids.
Saint Laurent. Photo: Christopher Postlewaite
3 E. 57th St., 212-980-2970
In 1962, Algerian-born French designer Yves Saint Laurent (and partner Pierre Bergé) launched the label that is today credited with the creation of such fashion staples as Le Smoking suit (the first women's tux), the safari jacket and the shirtdress. Yves designed until his retirement in 2002; the brand’s former creative directors include Tom Ford and Stefano Pilati. Today, Hedi Slimane, who dropped the “Yves” from the label’s name in an effort to rebrand the line, designs ready-to-wear collections for the label. The posh and polished 57th Street flagship store echoes the label's sleek sophistication, furnished in all things black, white and mirrored. Within the two floors, find handbags, heels, costume jewelry and apparel in luxurious fabrics for men and women.
Chanel. Photo: Alexander Thompson
15 E. 57th St., 212-355-5050
The 57th Street flagship store embodies classic Chanel chic. The front facade features illuminated glass rectangles that mimic the bottle of the famed Chanel No. 5 fragrance, and the standard Chanel color palette of beige, black and white covers the interior of the store, which stocks everything from couture to cosmetics. The top level of the store's three floors has a VIP salon, a reserved section with recessed lighting and white drapes that flow from ceiling to floor. Since Coco Chanel founded the label in 1909, the luxury brand has popularized such wardrobe legends as the little black dress, the quilted-leather handbag, the tweed bouclé skirt suit, la marinière (Breton sailor stripes) and the signature double-C logo. The innovations of the house's current creative director, Karl Lagerfeld—seen in Chanel's couture fantasies each season in Paris—have only added to the label's mystique.
Louis Vuitton. Photo: Tagger Yancey IV
1 E. 57th St., 212-758-8877
The LV logo has covered the leather bags and luggage of the elite since 1896. But from the ceramic-coated glass exterior to the illuminated, frosted-glass walls and lofted levels overlooking the main floor, Louis Vuitton's Fifth Avenue flagship looks every bit au courant. The store’s window installations, which have featured polka dot, checkered and cherry-blossom designs, showcase the cutting-edge special collections inside. And in addition to leather, the store carries eyewear, jewelry, shoes and apparel for men and women, along with the house's collaborative efforts, which come courtesy of host of artists including Stephen Sprouse, Yayoi Kusama and Sofia Coppola.
Dolce & Gabbana. Photo Will Steacy
717 Fifth Ave., 212-249-4100
Known for its overstated, ornate and colorful clothing, Dolce & Gabbana is inspired by the energy and tradition of Italian life. In this mammoth, three-floor flagship, that sentiment is apparent through its display of Venetian glass chandeliers, gilded full-length mirrors and vintage Baroque sofas. The store features a floor dedicated to men’s and women’s apparel, as well as shoes and accessories. It also carries D&G staples like lace frocks, mini leopard dresses, sheer blouses and a vast range of clothing from its ready-to-wear collections.
789 Madison Ave., 212-988-0259
Since starting her namesake label in 1993, Kate Spade has gone from selling basic nylon handbags to building a line that includes apparel, handbags, jewelry, eyewear, shoes, home decor and even swimwear. Like her colorful, girlish line, Spade's new three-floor Madison Avenue flagship is undeniably cute. Decorated in a palette of sherbet colors, the store is covered with bows, hydrangeas and glittering baubles. The 7,900-square-foot space also houses a VIP salon, bar and Spade's exclusive Madison Collection, which retails for 25% above Spade's average collection prices.
Bulgari. Photo: Tagger Yancey IV
730 Fifth Ave., 212-315-9000
The Italian jewelry juggernaut, which began by creating jewel-encrusted pieces, is most notably known for its reptile-inspired collection known as Serpenti (made famous by Elizabeth Taylor). Devoted Cleopatra fans can pick up trinkets from that line as well as distinctive jewelry from the Heritage collection, inspired by the Roman Empire period. This ornate flagship—the only dedicated Bulgari boutique in Manhattan—also sells engagement rings, wedding rings, watches and even eyewear, fragrance and accessory lines.
779 Madison Ave., 212-879-1100
This label was born in 2007 out of founder Alessia Giacobino’s desire to create a go-to luxury parka that would transcend functionality. Not only beautiful, these fur-lined pieces are meant to be useful for, say, skiing the Swiss Alps. Each parka is made by hand and takes a total of 20 hours to complete. They consist of a shell, fur lining (sable, rabbit and fox are among the popular options) and a voluminous hood. Mr. and Mrs. Italy’s 1,200-square-foot store contains the label’s signature collection of bomber, trench and parka coats as well as shoes and accessories for men and women.
Prada. Photo: Brittany Petronella
SoHo/NoLIta
575 Broadway, 212-334-8888
Prada's SoHo flagship store molds high fashion and top design, offering an atmosphere as modern as designer Miuccia Prada's trendsetting label. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas' zebrawood wave flows through the two-story shop, beginning with a smooth curve at one end that cascades into display stairs that are dotted with headless mannequins. The Broadway concept shop carries classics like the black nylon Prada bag, men's leather loafers and the latest runway-ready looks for men and women.
148 Mercer St., 212-206-0872
Emulating a grand Venetian museum, the space is lined with 5,400 square feet of Verde Rameggiato marble, installed by contractors flown in from Italy. Skylights, illuminated display cases and neatly arranged racks display the label’s embroidered pieces, elegant knits and minimalist silhouettes. In homage to the brand’s legendary founder, Cristobal Balenciaga, the marble and limestone floor here is a replica of the one in the Balenciaga couture house on Avenue George V in Paris.
Alexander Wang Photo: Brittany Petronella
103 Grand St., 212-977-9683
Considered fashion’s wünderkind, Alexander Wang started his fashion label in 2007 at age 24. In 2008, he won the coveted Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund Award and added a handbag and ready-to-wear collection. His label, along with his T by Alexander Wang line, features an assemblage of knits, distressed denim and leather, all of which contrast a street wear sensibility with formalwear. The Alexander Wang flagship, with its sleek white-marble interior, fox-fur hammock and black leather couches, is complemented by a permanent cage installation that changes seasonally to highlight elements of the brand’s latest collections.
100 Wooster St., 212-966-4200
Designer Oliver Rouesting began his tenure as creative director at Balmain in 2011, when he was just 25 years old. He distinguished himself by highlighting the fashion house’s couture side with trendy, flashy tailored pieces. Take, for example, the Kardashian-loved double-breasted
Hailstone Heritage. Courtesy, Halston Heritage
59 Greene St., 646-396-5418
Halston rose to fame in the 1970s by dressing Studio 54 stars like Bianca Jagger—who, on her 30th birthday, famously rode through that club on a
73 Wooster St., 212-226-8300
Italian luxury brand Moschino, which has experienced a revival under its creative director Jeremy Scott, brings its bright and playful aesthetic to its new SoHo flagship. The shop is designed to encapsulate the colorful and over-the-top vibe of the brand under the direction of Jeremy Scott. Larger-than-life props, including giant handbags and shoes, make this 3,700-square-foot-plus store a standout.
112 Greene St., 212-255-1556
After staking her claim among the butcher shops in the Meatpacking District, Stella McCartney transferred her flagship to a bigger space in SoHo, but she didn’t lose her luxe sense in the move. The two-story space features the designer’s main collection, which is feminine, ethereal and animal-friendly, along with her lingerie, children’s clothing and the Adidas by Stella McCartney line.