nyc

Mackage Opens First Retail Store, Chooses NYC

Known for its leather-trimmed, fitted outerwear, Canadian coat designer Mackage on September 1 opened its first stand-alone store, and chose NYC's hip Meatpacking District. I stopped by the store to check it out. The full Fall/Winter 2009 lines for men and women were on display in the small but classy store. Mirrors here and there make it easy (and tempting) to slip on a leather coat, puffy jacket, trench, or packable anorak. I commented to the rep helping me that the line looked familiar -- she said that certain styles were in Bloomingdale's and other high-end stores, but never the whole line, which is why Mackage decided to open its own store.

The coats are beautiful -- from wools to leathers to styles with fur trim, all are designed to be warm and fashionable, a rare combo. Even the packable anoraks are upscale. Rather than try to describe all here, check out the gallery for a few representative styles.

The store is a pop-up boutique, aka a limited-run, just for September, so Mackage can gauge interest and see if it wants to continue in this retail venue. So don't hesitate if you want to see the new line. There even will be special promotions this month with the chance to win a free coat or a free blow-out. Or ...

To see Mackage's Fall 2009 line, stop by the store (829 Washington St, NYC, 212-255-3807) on Thursday, September 10, as part of Fashion's Night Out, a worldwide event that coincides with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Fashion authority Phillip Bloch will be on hand offering free tips and consultations from 7 - 9 p.m., Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon will be doing blowouts from 6 - 9 pm, and model Irina Lazareanu will DJ from 9 - 11 pm.

Gallery: Mackage Coats, Fall/Winter 2009

Tags: Canada, Canadian, coats, entertainment-awards, Fashion Week, Fashions Night Out, FashionsNightOut, FashionWeek, Mackage, NYC, outerwear

New York's Highest-Paid CEOs

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Services

Metro, the free daily paper, reported in its June 25 edition that a bunch of NYC people you may never have heard of are making more than most of us can dream of. No. 1 on the list of New York's highest-paid CEOs in 2008, according to Crain's New York Business, is Alliance Bernstein's Peter Kraus, pocketing $52.538 million; No. 2 is Gamco Investors's Mario Gabelli, pocketing $45.927 million; and No. 3 is Philip Morris's Louis Camilleri, pocketing $43.229 million.

I couldn't access the full list (you need a subscription to Crain's, or you can buy the report here), but the Metro article did note that there are only four women in the top 100: No. 26, Avon Products's Andrea Jung, $12.9 million; No. 37, PepsiCo's Indra Nooyi, $9.9 million; No. 72, Ann Taylor Stores's Kay Krill, $5.7 million, and No. 79, The New York Times Co.'s Janet Robinson, $5.3 million.

And I was happy to get a few thousand back on my taxes this year.

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Tags: CEOs, compensation, highest paid, HighestPaid, New York, New York City, NewYork, NewYorkCity, NY, NYC, salaries, salary

Luxury Living on Roosevelt Island: Riverwalk Court & Riverwalk Crossing

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

In early May I crossed the East River from midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, home to a number of new, luxury real estate developments. After just a few minutes on the F subway line (or you can take the famous tram), I met with two representatives from Related Companies, one of the country's premier real estate development groups, and had a personal tour of Riverwalk Court, the newest condo offering on the island.

About 10 years ago, Related, along with The Hudson Companies, Inc., won the NYC contract to develop Roosevelt Island. And they have a done a spectacular job with Riverwalk Court. The 18-story condominium building was designed by award-winning architectural firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, and every unit features huge, insulated windows; light, neutral colors; stainless steel appliances and black granite countertops; a washer/dryer; and the best part -- city or bridge views from every apartment. The building's amenities include an entertainment lounge for relaxing with other residents; a fitness center for cardio and yoga; a rooftop terrace; and a children's playroom. As I felt about another Related property I visited, the Caledonia, suddenly my pretty nice apartment and building seemed like a shack, and I wanted to pack up that night and move right into Riverwalk.

Residents of Riverwalk get more than a nice apartment, however. Related is known for its personalized service and concierge amenities (e.g., 24-hour concierge/doorman), and these 123 condominium residences, which range from 1BR - 3 BR with an equal number of baths in each home, offer all of that plus price tags lower than Manhattan for the same, if not better, quality. Plus, Roosevelt Island residents get more -- green space, river breezes, quiet days and nights, minimal traffic, no garbage trucks clanging and squealing in the middle of the night (the island has a Walt Disney World-like underground trash system) and even a 25-cent local bus to take you around the two-mile, 47-acre island if you don't want to walk in the rain or have groceries to carry.

For those who prefer to rent, there's Riverwalk Crossing, Roosevelt Island's only new luxury rental property. Also designed by Kondylis and part of the Related/Hudson portfolio, amenities include an entertainment lounge, bike room, fitness center, and lushly landscaped gardens with an outdoor sun deck, dining terrace, and barbeque grills. As part of the Related Rentals portfolio, Riverwalk Crossing offers its residents RelatedStyle Services, a suite of rewards and services that include the Related Personal Assistant, Move-In Coordination, Resident Service Specialist, as well as exclusive Equinox Fitness membership opportunities. Residents also will have the option to pay rent with a rewards-eligible credit cards.

After my sojourn to Roosevelt Island, I just may make it my next home. Or at least head back there this summer to enjoy all the activities and river air.

Take a look at the gallery for photos of these two communities.

Gallery: Riverwalk Court & Riverwalk Crossing

Tags: condos, Hudson, new york, new york city, NewYork, NewYorkCity, NYC, rela estate, RelaEstate, Related, rentals, river, Roosevelt Island, RooseveltIsland

NYC's Wine & Spirits Restaurant Tasting, June 2nd

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wine

Unlike the west coast which could host a different wine event everyday, the east coast doesn't have as many opportunities to showcase such a variety of wines without having to fly in cases and cases. Sure, the Finger Lakes region in upstate New York has wonderful wines to taste but the breadth of options is far overshadowed by the large tastings that can easily take place in California. All of that is to say if you live in NYC you don't want to miss this tasting event, The Top of the List Tasting, featuring honored wines from the annual Restaurant Awards conducted by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

On June 2nd at City Winery over 100 vintners will pour wine to expand and please your palate accompanied by food offerings from such restaurants as Milos, The River Cafe, and Convivo along with an oyster bar. Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $75 and there are separate retrospective tastings that you can express your interest for on the event's website...the cost of those isn't clearly stated. The Top of the List Tasting is a great excuse to introduce someone to the wonder of wine or just enjoy an evening out with a great purpose. Who doesn't need to sniff, swirl and savor a little wine on a Tuesday night?

[via Vinography]

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Tags: city winery, CityWinery, nyc, restaurant tasting, RestaurantTasting, top of the list, top of the list tasting, TopOfTheList, TopOfTheListTasting, wine and spirits magazine, wine and spirits tasting, WineAndSpiritsMagazine, WineAndSpiritsTasting

The Latest Luxury Cocktails

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Spirits

The weather's heating up and we need ways to cool down. Why not make an extra special cocktail concoction for your front porch? We got these herbal and floral recipes from three of NYC's hottest restaurants -- Counter, Harbour, and Yerba Buena (above).

We'll provide the list of ingredients, and you can be creative with your pours!

Some of these recipes call for creative (and totally brilliant) infusions of various alcohols. Not sure how to infuse? Check out this guide -- but be sure to plan ahead; while they are definitely easy, infusions can take up to two weeks.

Ready to start mixing? Recipes for cool summer cocktails are in the gallery below!

Gallery: Cool Summer Cocktails from New York City

Harbour - 290 Hudson Street - 212.989.6410

Counter - 105 First Avenue - 212.982.5870

Yerba Buena - 23 Avenue A - 212.529.2919

Tags: cocktails, cool summer, CoolSummer, counter, entertainment-awards, hamptons, harbour, nyc, yerba buena

Nios - The New Restaurant at The Muse in NYC

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Dining, Wine

The Muse Hotel in New York City is a true gem. The pretty little boutique hotel is located on West 46th Street, near Times Square and the theater district, and now, even New Yorkers will be frequenting it's chic lobby. Why? They've opened a terrific new restaurant: Nios.

We checked out this swanky new hotspot on opening night - May 13th. Click through the gallery of the opening party for quotes from Puccini Group's Robert Polacek, one of the designers, and Kimpton Group's master sommelier Emily Wines about the decor and the fabulous wine selection.

Gallery: Opening Party at Nios

Tags: design, hotels, muse hotel, new york, NewYork, nyc, restaurants, wine

NYC Building Boom Goes Bust

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Real Estate Developments

Changes in the famous NYC skyline would have been made but with the world in financial straits it seems new architectural icons will not mark the horizon anytime soon. Luxury apartments and swanky office spaces have been put on hold (some indefinitely) awaiting completion of financing and adequate percentage of tenants. Fortunately, some projects have not begun the process while others are already mid-process. Less than a year ago each of these projects were on their way but economic changes have taken their toll and some architectural dreams may never be realized. Hopefully, some of these shining new developments, shown in the gallery below, will someday share their unique design with this grand city.

Gallery: NYC Horizon Changes?

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Tags: architecture, building, new york, new york city, NewYork, NewYorkCity, nyc, nyc skyline, NycSkyline, skyline

WET Revamps the Lincoln Center Fountain

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Art

This is a rendering of how Lincoln Center will look this summer! WET, a company who has designed fountains for major landmarks all over the world, has begun work on Lincoln Center's fountain to bring new light and splendor to New York's cultural Mecca.

WET's previous projects include fountains for the Ritz-Carlton hotels, the Bellagio, the Mirage Volcano, the Tokyo Dome, and they are currently creating the largest water fountain in the world for the Burj Dubai, the tallest building in Dubai.

WET was cofounded in 1983 by former Disney Imagineer Mark Fuller, who "envisioned a firm that would inspire water's capacity for bringing people together in a shared transcendant experience." His imagination has inspired and delighted millions with over 200 creations in 20 countries.

After seeing The Fountains of Bellagio, Steven Spielberg reportedly commented to Steve Wynn that the Fountains were "the greatest single piece of public entertainment on planet Earth."

We look forward to the exciting new fountain at Lincoln Center!

Tags: lincoln center, new york, nyc, WET

Atelier Minyon - Now in the United States

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Atelier Minyon 22kt gold mesh cuff with ruby and diamond accents

World renowned Turkish jewelry designer Atelier Minyon is finally in the United States, having opened a classy little shop in Soho, New York City, at 155 Spring Street.

Enchanted by their window, I stopped into their Soho shop one morning last week while they were still spritzing the sparkling glass cases. I was enthralled by the variety I found -- everything from elegant, bejeweled floral brooches to very exotic, bright yellow gold cuffs.

Their jewelry is bold and inventive, while maintaining an elegant, family relic feel. These pieces call up the grandeur of vintage design -- these are the kind of pieces that become heirlooms. Check out some of the exotic and dazzling designs below, and visit the Atelier Minyon website here.

Gallery: Atelier Minyon Jewelry

Hand crafted 18kt blackened gold bangle with rose cut diamonds

Hand crafted 24kt yellow gold rings with floral motif, with and without diamond accents

Hand crafted 18kt white gold diamond mesh bracelet with 4.72 cts diamonds

Hand crafted 18kt yellow gold ring with 1.51 cts diamonds

Tags: atelier minyon, jewelry, jewelry designers, JewelryDesigners, nyc, soho, turkey, turkish

The Plaza Hotel's Oak Room Relaunches March 18th

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Events

World renowned restaurant The Oak Room at New York City's Plaza Hotel is reopening March 18th with a brand new chef, Eric Hara (right).

The legendary Oak Room has an all new menu planned, featuring classic and modern American cuisine at "prices that are appropriate for today's economy." Entrees will run from just $22 - $35.

Eric Hara was most recently executive chef of David Burke Townhouse and Fishtail.

The Oak Room and adjacent Oak Bar have been redesigned by architect Annabelle Selldorf, bringing contemporary flourishes to the historic space which first opened in 1907. Be sure and visit the new Oak Room next time you are in New York!

Tags: eric hara, EricHara, new york, new york city, NewYork, ny, nyc, oak room, OakRoom, plaza, plaza hotel, PlazaHotel, restaurant, restaurants

New La Flor Dominicana to Benefit NY Museum

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cigars

A series of limited-edition cigars and boxes is being designed under the leadership of Litto Gomez to benefit El Museo del Barrio, New York City's only Latin American museum. To pull the project together, Gomez is working with artist Ruben Toledo and his wife Isabel, a fashion designer.

The end result, La Flor Dominicana El Museo Limited Edition is a Churchill-sized cigar. The filler and binder are from the La Flor de Palma farm in the Dominican Republic, and the wrapper is from other parts of the same country. The cigars are packaged in off-white lacquer boxes with designs by Ruben Toledo on both sides of the lid. Gomez says that the El Museo has a rich, smooth, full-bodied taste with both sweetness and complexity.

Gomez is making 2,000 boxes available, with each priced at $600. They will be available in May.

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Tags: art, cigar, cigar aficionado, CigarAficionado, cigars, dominican, dominican republic, dominican-republic, DominicanRepublic, museum, museums, new york, new york city, NewYork, NewYorkCity, nyc, ruben toledo, RubenToledo, tobacco

Canyon Ranch Luxury Hotel and Spa in Miami Beach

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas, Events

Canyon Ranch Miami Beach is a luxury hotel and spa which offers guests a "total wellness experience." We caught up with them recently when they came to New York to encourage us all to come down there and relax.

The New York event included hand massages, organic french toast, and even an impromptu fitness class! We learned about their fabulous skincare line, their "Art of Eating" events where you meet with a chef, a nutritionist, and a behavioral therapist to eat and talk about eating, and more.

Click through our gallery to see what Canyon Ranch Miami Beach brought to the Big Apple, and click here to visit their website. Their introductory rates start at just $350!

Gallery: Canyon Ranch Miami Beach Comes to NYC

Tags: canyon ranch, CanyonRanch, event, miami beach, nyc

Yellow Diamond Ring Top Seller at Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Auction

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Auctions

As the catalogue's cover piece for Sotheby's Magnificent Jewels Auction held on December 9th in New York City, the Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond was bound to be a successful lot. Expected to sell for between $2 million and $3 million, the 36.99 carat oval diamond flanked by two shield-shaped diamonds, each weighing over 3 carats a piece, sold for $2,658,500 and rang in as the highest bid of the auction. The internally flawless diamond ring is clearly stunning and of the 430 lots in the auction it certainly warrants prestige. Although not every item sold the entire auction did bring in $20,348,375.

Gallery: Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring

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Tags: magnificent jewels, magnificent jewels auction, MagnificentJewels, MagnificentJewelsAuction, NYC, sothebys, sothebys jewlery auction, SothebysJewleryAuction, yellow diamond, YellowDiamond

Vera Wang Opens a New Store in Soho, NYC

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Decor, Dining, Handbags, Events

Vera Wang & Arthur Becker, Alejandro Santo Domingo, Anne & Mario Grauso, Brian Atwood, Debbie Bancroft, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan, Eleanor & Jon Ylvisaker, Fern Mallis, Gigi Mortimer, Helen Lee & Tim Schifter, Kimberly Kravis, Lakshmi Menon, Marina Rust & Ian Connor, Melania & Donald Trump, Nate Berkus, Ralph & Ricky Lauren, Roopal Patel, Samantha Boardman & Aby Rosen, Somers Farkas, Steven Kolb, and Veronica Webb were all in attendance last Thursday at the opening of Vera Wang's new boutique in Soho.

While we all know Vera Wang is unmatched in bridal apparel, she is also making fragrance and beauty-related products (Coty Prestige, Inc.), eyewear (Couteur Designs, a division of the Kenmark Group), china, crystal, silver and gifts (Wedgwood), Vera Wang suite (Halekulani Hotel), fine papers (William Arthur), mattresses (Serta Mattress Company), Lavender Label handbags (Accessory Network) and Lavender Label shoes (Brown Shoe).

Her ready to wear designs and more are available for browsing in person at the new Vera Wang Fashion Flagship, located at 158 Mercer Street, 212-382-2184.

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Tags: flagship, mercer, new york, new york city, ny, nyc, soho, store, stores, vera wang, VeraWang

Iradj Moini in Soho

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry

Iradj Moini, a former couture designer for Oscar de la Renta, makes some of the most exquisite and unusual jewelry we've seen this millennium.

As you shop in NYC's Soho neighborhood this holiday season, be sure and stop by the Spring Street boutique (198 Spring, near Sullivan). The boutique has been open since Spring 2007, and feels like an art gallery. You won't believe you're looking at new pieces, released seasonally, and not well-kept relics of the 1920's.

If you're not in NY, you can also browse a number of Iradj Moini's items at Domont Jewelry, a West Hollywood, CA jewelry dealer with an exceptional selection of Iradj Moini on display their website.

Almost every piece is stunning, and worth a look if only for inspiration.

Tags: boutique, boutiques, brooch, brooches, domont, domont jewelry, iradj, iradj moini, jewelry, jewelry designers, JewelryDesigners, moini, new york, new york city, NewYork, ny, nyc, scarab, shop, shopping, shops, soho, store, stores