Alexander McQueen
Its Soho neighbors may be boarded shut, but the New York flagship of the label founded by the U.K.’s late, great design icon stands like a monument to fashion’s unique skill for merging culture and style in a single, artful interior. Exquisitely tailored clothing and accessories for women and men by the house’s current creative director, Sarah Burton, are showcased in a space that places nature and natural features on a pedestal—make that several neoclassical columns. Architect Smiljan Radic’s tranquil scheme is punctuated by cool slabs of alabaster, and warmed by sustainably sourced American walnut and European oak. These earthy elements combine to create a must-see design destination for anyone craving sensory excitement, whether or not actual shopping is on the agenda.
71 Greene St.; 332.214.7080
MARLI
Marli’s New York flagship at Hudson Yards, the vision of designer Maral Artinian, is at once classic and iconoclastic. “Architectural, contemporary and refined” are key words to describe her extraordinary adornments—flawless diamonds and exquisitely colored gemstones nestle beside 18K gold that is handcrafted with fluid lines. Down to the smallest detail, Artinian worked closely with the renowned architects of Aranda\Lasch, whose daring work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, to develop and create an oasis of luxury for her customers. “I knew they were the right partners because of the simplicity of their design and their impeccable attention to detail,” says Artinian. “They understood the need to design a luxury store with a very warm and inviting atmosphere.”
20 Hudson Yards, Level 1; 718.734.2950
Aritzia
Comfort food need not be fried, high-fat or super salty; similarly, sweats shouldn’t make the wearer look like she downed a dozen doughnuts. Happily, the Canadian store Aritzia—now open at Hudson Yards—presents its Thermals collection, which gets sleekness and structure from a soft and textural waffle-knit fabric, while TNA Sweatfleece’s sexy, slim-fitting “sweatshorts” (with or without drawstring) are available in three fleece weights: airy, cozy or extra. Equally comfy—and far more dressy—are the slinkier separates. Wilfred’s Cayenne knit dress, a body-conscious halter midi, slit at the thigh and made with “all-season textural yarn,” becomes a base layer for Aritzia’s impressive selection of vegan leather jackets and shirts. 600 Fifth Ave. at Rockefeller Center, 212.307.3121; 20 Hudson Yards, Level 3, 212.564.2760; aritzia.com
—Julia Szabo