Images: Courtesy of the brands
Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion drops, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and celeb-studded cultural happenings in NYC. It’s our curated guide to the very best things to see, shop, taste and experience around the city.
What’s making our luxury list this week? Jacquemus’s first U.S. store, a Barbie exhibit at MAD, and Marlo Laz opens on Madison Avenue.
C’EST SI BON: Jacquemus opens in Soho
Jacquemus fans rejoice! The designer has chosen our fair city for his first boutique in the United States. It’s on the corner of Spring and Wooster in an 1818 federal house where previous tenants ran the gamut from Crocs to One King’s Lane. The 2,900 square-foot two-story boutique was designed by OMA and is filled with significant furniture by the likes of Frank Lloyd Wright and Jean Royere. But what more may care about is the exclusive merch, namely a hoodie, tee-shirt, baseball cap, and mug, available only in the Soho store or online. Jacquemus.com
ALL THE STEELS: Maria Pergay at Demisch Danant
Maria Pergay might be one of the most significant yet under-the-radar furniture designers of the 20th century. She designed objects for Hermes, Dior, and Balenciaga before embracing the then-avant-garde material stainless steel and creating pieces that have aged exceedingly well, as is evidenced in a new exhibit at Demisch Danant gallery. “Precious Strength | Maria Pergay Across the Decades,” features 35 works created both before and after Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant tracked her down (about 20 years ago) and dragged her out of relative obscurity to design once again. They’ve championed Pergay, who died last year, ever since. This exhibition is as much a homage to her as a testament to their tenacity and devotion. Through November 30, DemischDanant.com
WORKING GIRL: Barbie exhibit at MAD
“Barbie®: A Cultural Icon”, the buzzy exhibit that celebrates the 65th anniversary of the iconic doll, has opened here after welcoming record crowds in Phoenix and Las Vegas. It does not disappoint. On display: over 250 vintage dolls, the 22 original ensemble outfits, ads and ephemera, and interviews with the doll’s designers. There’s more, including a life-size Barbie Mirror-Pink Corvette that’s clearly made for Instagram moments. “We are tickled ‘pink’ to welcome Barbie to the MAD,” said Tim Rodgers, Nanette L. Laitman Director, Museum of Arts and Design. “More than simply a toy for make-believe and role play, Barbie has responded to and reflected nearly every significant social advancement over the last six decades.” Through March 16, 2025 at MADMuseum.org
CIAO BELLA: Bar Sprezzatura debuts in midtown
Bar Sprezzatura, the sister establishment to the original in San Francisco’s financial district, has opened on West 48th Street on the upper floors of the Kimpton Hotel Theta. They claim it brings Amalfi coast vibes to the Big Apple, a tall order in the theatre district. The optimistic interior helps. One area, for example, is done up in shades of pistachio and pink, with plants galore, and a wealth of natural light. As does a cocktail menu that includes three spritzes and five negronis. Bar SPRZ, as they like to call it, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. BarSprezzatura.com
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Marlo Laz on Madison Avenue
That was fast. It’s already been ten years since Jesse Lazowski launched her fine jewelry brand, Marlo Laz. A Bleecker Street flagship debuted four years ago, and now, to the delight of her UES clients, she’s opened at 965 Madison (near 72nd). The interior, as before, was created by Jesse with her mother, the interior designer Marcia Lazowski, as a reflection of Jesse’s global interests, travels, and collections (including artworks by the likes of Sterling Ruby and Jorge Galindo). In addition to her signature gold charms, medallions, and chains, visitors can browse and buy scarves from Kashmir, candles from Murano, and ceramics from Sevilla, Vallauris, and Brazil. MarloLaz.com