Madison Avenue Business District: A More Intimate Designer Shopping Experience Off 5th

WHY GO: If you’ve got the funds for – or curiosity about – high end fashion designers, and don’t fancy a trip to France or Italy, you’ll be exceedingly satisfied with the shops, restaurants, and hotels that make up the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District.

Outside Hermes Madison Ave NY NY
Outside Hermes Madison Ave NY NY

Spanning Madison Avenue from 57th to 86th St., the Madison Avenue BID is one of 76 such Improvement Districts within the five boroughs.

Created in 1996, BID, a quasi-government Not For Profit agency, is the mechanism through which businesses collect funds for street cleaning, store security, holiday decorations and more.

The Surrey Hotel NY NY
The Surrey Hotel NY NY

But how does this relate to tourism? And how did the avenue most associated with advertising (Madison Avenue Men/aka Mad Men) become such a Mecca for fashion?

I was curious.

Visitors tend to be obsessed with 5th Avenue, so, I spent the good part of a day walking 1-½ miles on the boulevard that most tourists miss.

What I found really surprised me.

A Short History Of Madison Avenue

This reach of Madison Avenue, north of the commercial office buildings that house those noted advertising agencies, has always been an exclusive residential area of Manhattan. Wealthy women, who could afford couture, flew off to Europe for the latest fashions.

70’s Designers Establish Showrooms in NYC

Ralph Laurens Mens Madison Ave NY NY
Ralph Laurens Mens Madison Ave NY NY

But in the late 70’s, early 80’s, designers began to open their own boutiques outside of Paris. On the Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue, they could be just steps away from their haute couture clientele.

First Yves St. Laurent established his store on the corner of 71st St (where E. Pucci is now).  And then, in the early 80’s, Ralph Lauren opened his flagship in the former Rhinelander Mansion on 72nd. More and more designers moved in.

Laduree Exterior Madison Ave NY NY
Laduree Exterior Madison Ave NY NY

Now, not only do top designers work on Madison Avenue, some can even be found in their shops. (And, at least one, Giorgio Armani, plans to build condos and move here).

Window Shop Madison Avenue

Walk this area of Madison and you’ll be privy to intimate glimpses of neighborhood life that you won’t see in the larger designer establishments on 5th Ave. And, as a bonus, stores are much less crowded and frenetic.

Peek through any glass door, generally manned by a doorman, and you might see a few locals pouring over diamond rings, or considering a dress that has just arrived.

Despite your inability to spring for, say, a $200,000 grey diamond ring from De Beers, shopkeepers welcome you warmly.

Read on, and walk along this tony avenue that includes lesser-known historic sites, two museums (one within view, but off-Madison), five hotel options, and a bevy of restaurants and coffee shops.

FYI – for those serious about shopping these stores, and want VIP treatment, download the Preferred Privileges Luxe Pass – which include private shopping before and after hours, Champaign in certain stores, hotel delivery or shuttles, and other experiences.

Walking Tour of Madison Avenue

Horse and Buggy Central Park NY

START: At Central Park South

Begin at Central Park South and then make your way east to Madison Ave at 57th Street.

Marc Jacobs Madison Ave NY NY
Marc Jacobs Madison Ave NY NY

The first several blocks of the Business Improvement District leans commercial. Work spaces tend to be above stores the likes of Fendi, Coach, Lalique, Mont Blanc, Stuart Weitzman, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein.

Ralph Lauren actually comes to work in an office building across from Baccarat and next to Celine near 58th.

Aldo Sermoneta Sermoneta Gloves Madison Ave. NY NY
Aldo Sermoneta Sermoneta Gloves Madison Ave. NY NY

STOP into the tiny Sermoneta Gloves

You just might find the 6th generation of this family-owned Italian leather goods company, Aldo Sermoneta, helping customers. “Our Jewish family started out making gloves for the Pope in 1960,” says Aldo. “The headquarters in Rome is an Italian landmark.” Handcrafted leather and cashmere Sermoneta gloves, in contemporary vivid shades, have graced the hands of celebrities, royalty, and quite possibly, you.

Walking north – the buildings start to get more residential. Here, you’ll find the Tom Ford flagship, Berluti, Bally Flagship, the future digs of Missoni (now on 77th) and more men’s fashion shops.

Ford, Missoni, Hermes

Hermes Interior NY NY

Around 62nd St., there are two Hermes across from each other: Men’s and Women’s. Step into Women’s store, if only to ogle the hand stitched tan leather on the circular staircase rails. Heading up, there’s Georg Jensen, Hublot Watches, Chopard, Jimmy Choo’s flagship.

The Bling Block

The bling block begins around 63rd, where you’ll find Graff (diamonds), David Yurman, and the Brit-based De Beers.

De Beers Madison Ave NY NY
De Beers Madison Ave NY NY

Stop into De Beers, known as “The Home of Diamonds Since 1888.” It’s expensive, but shopkeepers are friendly, even if you don’t intend to spend millions on a rock. (Or even a couple of hundred grand).

Bottega Veneta, Givency, Chanel

Botega Vanetta Interior Madison Ave NY NY
Botega Vanetta Interior Madison Ave NY NY

Bottega Veneta Masion (64th) restored three landmarked buildings and opened to much fanfare in 2018. Stop in for a look at the triangular-shaped spiral staircase – a cool architectural element.

Heading up, find Chanel Accessories and Shoes, Alexander McQueen, and Givenchy.

NYC homes of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and FDR’s mother Sara

FDR Home NY NY

Take a right on 65th, walk down the block and you’ll find #47 and #49 65th, the former NYC homes of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, and FDR’s notably overbearing mother, Sarah, now owned by Hunter College.

Built as a wedding gift, the two residences share an entrance with two separate doors. However, the homes were joined on the top floor. So much for privacy. And no surprise that Eleanor was not happy here.

Notable as the spot where FDR first heard he’d won the Presidential election, tours of the building and its small museum are offered to the public.

Giorgio Armani Moving In

The corner of 65th and Madison will soon be demolished and rebuilt with luxury condos (2020-2023), care of Giorgio Armani, who plans to move into one of them. According to press releases, Armani will build a 96,000 sq ft. structure that will incorporate 19 Armani Casa residences, and a 2-story Armani Flagship.

de la Renta, Cool Newbies, and More

Walking uptown, gaze at (or enter) Oscar de la Renta’s place on 66th. When he was still alive, de la Renta would play the piano there during Fashion Night Out – drawing clients such as Barbara Walters and Sara Jessica Parker to croon around the keys.

Edie Parker Madison Ave NY NY
Edie Parker Madison Ave NY NY

Speaking of being drawn, I was so enticed into Edie Parker – maker of whimsical gem-colored acrylic handbags and accessories that go for $1300 and up (domino sets, $2295). This is Edie Parker’s only store anywhere, and all products are made in the USA.

Isaia with upstairs tailors, Madison Ave NY NY
Isaia with upstairs tailors, Madison Ave NY NY

Back up to 67th, you’ll pass J. Mendel Furrier, Michael Kors Collection Store, and a slew of art galleries. Continuing north to 68th, find Kate Spade, Tory Birch, Frette Flagship, and Max Mara. Watch tailors at work on the second floor catwalk at Isaia, a small Italian men’s shop where you can order a custom suit in the softest of wools.

Ralph's Coffee Ralph Lauren Madison Ave NY NY
Ralph’s Coffee Ralph Lauren Madison Ave NY NY

Onwards and upwards, past Valentino (which also is on 5th), Dolce & Gabbana, Akris, Anne Fontaine, Prada, the old Westbury Hotel (now condos), Elie Saab (the only store in the USA), Lanvin, Emilio Pucci, and the must see Ralph Lauren Flagships across from each other at 71st.

Ralph Lauren Flagships

Ralph Lauren Womens Madison Ave NY NY
Ralph Lauren Womens Madison Ave NY NY

The two stores could not be more different, with equally swanky interiors worth perusing. Lauren holds his Spring Fashion Shows in the brightly lit, white marble chambers of his Women’s Home and Jewelry establishment, which also houses the brand new Ralph’s Coffee – a sophisticated place to refuel.

Ralph Lauren Men's Madison Ave NY NY
Ralph Lauren Men’s Madison Ave NY NY

Across the street, also on 71st find the former Rhinelander Mansion, now Ralph Lauren’s Men Store. This decidedly masculine space is darkly paneled and crammed with cigars, dog and horse art, watches, and the like. Neither establishment is meant for big crowds.

Pause for a spot of tea and a macaron at Laduree

Laduree Madison Ave NY NY
Laduree Madison Ave NY NY

If you’re hankering for a spot of tea and a macaron right about now, the place to go is Laduree between 70th and 71st. It’s a jewel box of a shop, straight out of Paris, with mint-green walls and cookies in every conceivable pastel color. Boxed chocolates cost a pretty penny (12 pieces $35, 40 for $100). But they are a popular hostess gift around here.

Paul Morelli Jewelers

Paul Morelli Madison Ave NY NY

You’ll find the jeweler, Paul Morelli, on the corner of 72nd St. If that name rings a bell, it’s because readers of the print NY Times see its add every day on page two. Known for delicate necklaces and bracelets in gold and diamonds, Morelli also designs wearable art pieces in colorful precious gemstones. Shopkeepers are warm and friendly. Even if you’re just looking and polite, they apparently enjoy the company.

Apple Store Like No Other

Apple Store Madison Ave NY NY
Apple Store Madison Ave NY NY

Stroll a couple of blocks past (or into) Stella McCartney before popping into an Apple Store like no other, on 74th. This one, in a former grand bank building (go downstairs to see the vault), glows with backlit art on every wall. It’s a very cool space – and surprisingly not overcrowded.

A few paces away, you’ll find a few stores with a more funky downtown vibe: Golden Goose Delux Brand. And the only US outpost of one of Elton John’s favorite brands, Joe Bananas.

Louboutin Madison Ave NY NY
Louboutin Madison Ave NY NY

North of the MB, is Carolina Herrera, the famous red-soled Christian Louboutin Flagship, and something you don’t see much anymore – an independent department store.

Zitomer, a Throwback Department Store

Zitomer Madison Ave NY NY
Zitomer Madison Ave NY NY

The family-owned three story Zitomer is a throwback to the 50’s, and a true upper East Side landmark that sells everything from cosmetics and pharmacy items to clothing. It’s worth it to stop in and see where locals shop and what they wish to preserve.

Stop for an Espresso at Sant Ambroeus or Chocolate at La Masion du Chocolate

The very European Sant Ambroeus is another good resting spot for sweets, espresso, gelato, or the Christmas gift favorite, their Panettone Cake. You can also pick up a Baguette Sandwich, which puts one in mind of an Italian sidewalk café.

La Maison du Chocolate Madison Ave NY NY
La Maison du Chocolate Madison Ave NY NY

From first glance, La Masion du Chocolate seems like strictly a chocolate shop. But there’s a back room with table service. Some even say it’s got the best hot chocolate in the City.

Acquavella, Calder, and Art on Madison Ave

Acquavella Galleries NY NY
Acquavella Galleries NY NY

Just off 79th, art galleries in former mansions beckon. Don’t be shy, and don’t assume you can’t enter. Acquavella is more like a museum than an art store, so by all means, check it out.

Alexander Calder Sidewalk NY NY

Look down, and pay attention to the wavy black and white sidewalk art installation, emblazoned with “AC 70”. Alexander Calder’s paint studio was right here. In 1970, he designed the path just outside his door.

Nicholas Brawer Giant Binoculars

Nicholas Brawer, Madison Ave

Around 80th St. step into a shop that is so specific, so esoteric, as to actually encourage questions. Nicholas Brawer is a collector/restorer of rare giant binoculars that had been used by Navies around the world during WWII. Some even came from the Japanese military. An unconventional hobby has turned into a career, to be sure. But the functional and burnished results of Brawer’s restorations are nothing short of magnificent works of art.

Gotta have a William Greenberg Black and White – Plus Zabar’s and Lobel’s

William Greenberg Bakery Madison Ave NY NY
William Greenberg Bakery Madison Ave NY NY

Moving north, along with shops like Jaded Jewels, Barbour, Peress Lingerie, and the family owned JJ Marco, you’ll find Eli Zabar’s E.A.T. Café and Gifts, Nectar Diner, the very high-end Lobel’s Butcher – and the “Home of the Best Black and White Cookie” – William Greenberg. (Do yourself a favor and get at least one. Those accolades are no hype.)

Lobel's Madison Ave. NY NY
Lobel’s Madison Ave. NY NY

Congratulations. You’re within sight of the terminus of the Madison Ave. BID, around work-out-apparel row – 85th St, where you’ll find Peleton, Lulu Lemon, Sweaty Betty, and Theory. Just in time for “elevated Italian” at Restaurante Morini on the corner of 86th.

Metropolitan Museum of Art and Some Harry Potter

Entrance of Met Museum of Art From Madison Ave NY NY

Or, if you have time, make sure to walk a few blocks to the Metropolitan Museum of Art one avenue over on 5th and 82nd. For those who’d like to combine a bit of Harry Potter with their (window) shopping, sign up for the following two hour tour.

Met Museum Harry Potteresque Tour NY NY
Met Museum Harry Potteresque Tour NY NY

Fable & Lark Wizard, Goblins, tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 82nd. and 5th

For an intimate behind the scenes treat, book one of Fable & Lark’s Storied Adventures – programs that employ iconic stories (i.e., Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Game of Thrones) as template to explore iconic NYC Museums.

Fable and Lark Tour Met Museum of Art NY NY
Fable and Lark Tour Met Museum of Art NY NY

The latest, developed on the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book in 2016, is an “activities-based” trip through the Metropolitan Museum of Art (82nd and 5th).

With a great deal of knowledge and deep dive into Potter-speak, Evan Levy peppers her groups with questions. IPad in hand, she shows and tells participants how each relic and room is suggestive of J.K. Rowling’s books, and the movies based on them.

Scavenger Hunt Fable and Lark Met Museum of Art NY NY
Scavenger Hunt Fable and Lark Met Museum of Art NY NY

You meet in the Metropolitan Museum’s Great Hall (beneath the Pharaoh statue), a carbon copy of the Great Halls of Europe upon which the Hogwart’s Dining Hall was modeled. One Roman Statesman’s marble bust, with busted nose, looks eerily like Lord Voldemort.

“In the book, Rowling writes that Voldemort was ‘so pale he seemed to emit a pearly white glow.’ Much like marble, I think,” concludes Levy.

At various points in the tour, you’ll be tasked with brain-engaging challenges (which I won’t spoil alert here), scavenger hunts. Plus, you get goodies to take home. By the end of the 2-hour tour, you’ll have walked the complete quarter mile long Met Museum. $47.50pp. Wed/Thurs/Sun at 11am, Sat at 11am and 1:30. RSVP required. Private tours by request.

Hotels on Madison Avenue in the BID

STAY: Plaza Athnee on 64th

Hotel employees know repeat guests by name at this very old world, luxury of another era lodging establishment.

Bemelman's Bar Carlyle Hotel NY NY
Bemelman’s Bar Carlyle Hotel NY NY

STAY: The Carlyle on 76th

Home of the famous Bemelmans Bar (featuring murals painted by the artist famous for his children’s book, Madeline), and star-studded Café Carlyle, the Carlyle Hotel is as old school traditional as it gets. And proud of it.

The Surrey Hotel Interior NY NY
The Surrey Hotel Interior NY NY

STAY: The Surrey Hotel on 76th

Renovated to chic modern aesthetics, the grey and white mosaic lobby floor is stunning, as is the similarly hued Chuck Close painting hanging near the elevators. Rooms are done up in 1920’s glamour – so it’s no wonder that this is one of the top hotels in Manhattan (which is saying quite a lot).

The Mark Hotel NY NY

STAY: The Mark

The most trend-forward of the lot, The Mark purportedly has the most expensive hotel rooms, and is particularly hot during the Met Ball (the Metropolitan Museum of Art is 5 blocks away).

Weekend Getaways In New York City

Madison Ave Business Dist. NY Pin

Author

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  • Malerie Yolen-Cohen

    Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.