Jet-setters, whether you’re crossing the date line, or just traveling through the night, you can now reset the time and date on your wrist with the push of a single button.
Patek Philippe began creating World Time watches after the advent of transatlantic flights in the 1930s, when aviation allowed rapid travel across multiple time zones in a single day.
While other world time watches equipped with a date function require manual setting of the time and date, the Patek Philippe World Time Ref. The 5330G-001 automatically synchronizes the date with your new time zone, intelligently advancing the calendar at midnight.
Or, if you’re crossing the International Date Line from west to east, turn the calendar back one day.
The new watch and its patented technology were presented for the first time in 2023 to commemorate Patek Philippe’s grand “Watch Art” exhibition in Tokyo.
While that limited edition featured a purple dial with a matching purple strap, the new 2024 blue-gray version — now available worldwide — offers a more casual vibe, thanks to its denim-look strap.
The date display lies on a beveled flange at the edge of the dial. A red-tipped hand crafted from transparent glass, another first for the brand, displays the date. The city disc and the 24-hour disc (divided into day and night zones) are located just inside the date ring. As a traveler selects their new time zone—displayed at the 12 o’clock position—the hour and minute hands will indicate the local time.
This new generation World Time is the culmination of nearly 100 years of travel innovations from the Swiss brand. Patek Philippe began creating World Time watches after the advent of transatlantic flights in the 1930s, when aviation allowed rapid travel across multiple time zones in a single day.
Patek Philippe watches provided an essential tool for newly seasoned globe-trotters, allowing all 24 world time zones to be read at a glance. Since then, the house has continued to make strides to perfect its travel innovations.
Its current Time World offerings now include six pieces, including a flyback chronograph.
The sporty and informal look of this latest reference belies its mechanical complexity. The center of the watch’s opaline dial has a woven carbon fiber motif, and its calfskin strap is embossed to resemble blue jeans. The 40mm, 18K white gold watch is fitted with a sapphire-crystal caseback, allowing a full view of its fully polished self-winding movement.
This makes it easy to see why you might want to date one on the fly.
From Reflection to Panthère, here are the fascinating stories behind four of Cartier’s most famous timepieces.
Cartier’s reflection
Cartier has a fascinating new cuff. After 3,000 hours of development, last month the company debuted its latest marvel: An open bracelet with a watch embedded on one end and reflected on the shiny surface of the other, so the time is also told in reverse.
All five resolutely modern jewel watches are composed of 95 sculpted elements and feature the signature Roman numerals and sword hands on their dials. The versatile yellow-gold and rose-gold designs can be worn alone or stacked with other bracelets.
Reflection de Cartier watch in 18-k yellow gold, $38,900 at London Jewelers Cartier
Encrusted with precious stones, the three highly jeweled variations are ready for the gala. There is an icy all-white diamond-encrusted bracelet, along with a peacock motif lacquered version set with chrysoprase, obsidian, emerald, Paraba tourmaline and diamonds.
A diverse array of vibrant colors appear in opal, amethyst, spessartite garnet, tiger’s eye and diamond repeats. Crafted with savoir-faire, these watches exude glamour.
Santos de Cartier
Santos de Cartier 18-k yellow gold watch with sapphire, $36,600 at London Jewelers Cartier
Reaching new heights through 120 years of horological history, Santos de Cartier remains supreme. The first modern wristwatch was developed in 1904 by Louis Cartier for his friend, the Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, after the latter complained that he had difficulty checking the time on his pocket watch while flying.
Practical, adventurous and ultra legible, it featured a geometric dial, curved horns and exposed screws in a square bezel. Cartier often re-engineered its references, clearing the Santos models for size ups from small to extra large, with innovations such as the QuickSwitch and SmartLink interchangeable strap system, which allows users to easily adjust the length of the bracelet without tools.
Continuing in full swing, in 2009 the maison released the first skeleton variation in its Santos collection. The patented 9611 MC caliber boasts bridges engraved in the shape of Roman numerals, so they help present the time. The sky is the limit.
More than a century old, the immensely popular Cartier Tank stands the test of time. Loved by men and women alike, it has been worn by a pantheon of connoisseurs, from Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart to Angelina Jolie, along with Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama and Princess Diana.
Created in 1917 by Louis Cartier, the design of the watch reflected the top view of a World War I tank, with a minute dial with railway tracks, Roman numerals and a blue cabochon. This purity of line lends itself to a multitude of repetitions.
Panther de Cartier 18-k yellow gold watch with sapphire, $30,000 at London Jewelers Cartier
Panthère has been around Cartier since 1914, when the then director of bags, accessories and homewares, Jeanne Toussaint, designed her first cat wristwatch. Stained like her panther fur coat, the watch was studded with diamonds and onyx stones.
Over the decades, the animal motif reappeared in watches, jewelry and accessories, but it wasn’t until 1983 that the maison unveiled its Panthére de Cartier line of quartz jewelry watches. With thin gold link bracelets and a square case with a rounded corner, they fit perfectly into the glamorous decade of “Dynasty”.
Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jane Fonda, Pierce Brosnan and Keith Richards were all photographed in their iconic Panthères, and Charlie Sheen’s character Bud Fox in “Wall Street” invested in a gold when he started making money.
Always evolving, today’s collection features dozens of designs, including mixed metal bangles, two- and three-ring bracelets, cuffs, patterned lacquer and diamond-encrusted styles. Absolutely tough.
All at London Jewelers, 1988 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI
Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion awards, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and popular cultural events in NYC. It’s our curated guide to the best things to see, buy, taste and experience around town.
What’s making our luxury list this week? Foundrae opens on Madison Avenue, the Brooklyn Museum turns 200, and a beloved Ramen restaurant reopens.
Jewelry and lifestyle brand Foundrae’s new location on Madison Avenue is opening its doors to the public. Courtesy of Foundrae
“Before I ever stepped foot in the space, I had a feeling it would be FoundRae’s newest home, because of its auspicious address: 777,” says Beth Hutchens, who founded the lifestyle brand in 2015. The interiors of the 1,600-square-foot space, on Madison Avenue between 66th and 67th streets, were inspired by fashion icon Diana Vreeland’s Park Avenue apartment (note the red hues). The bookcase-lined walls boast a variety of vintage and antique books and objects; vignettes set among showcase ephemera and kaleidoscopes of FoundRae medallions. Solid gold chains in various lengths, links and weights hang from wooden crescents, encouraging guests to create personal pieces for themselves. FoundRae.com
200 artists for its 200th birthday: The Brooklyn Museum has curated an exhibition featuring the work of 200 local artists. Courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Artists Exhibit, which opened earlier this month in honor of the Brooklyn Museum’s 200th birthday, features 200 artists from the borough. How to choose only 200? Through an open call that resulted in almost 4,000 submissions and an Artist Committee led by the likes of Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Fred Tomaselli and Mickalene Thomas. The museum notes that “participants represent a full range of disciplines, from drawing and painting to sculpture, video, installation and beyond…together these works capture the vibrancy of Brooklyn and its artists, who are bound by deep-rooted ties deep and a common love for this special place.” A virtual tour is available on the museum’s website; exhibit runs through January 26, 2025. BrooklynMuseum.org
Who doesn’t love a new take on a classic dish? TabeTomo’s dripping ramen is back and better than ever. Courtesy of TabeTomo
Those whose eating habits change with the seasons will be thrilled to know that East Village favorite TabeTomo has reopened after a string of disasters ranging from pandemic closures, vandalism and fire. For those not in the know, the restaurant (whose name translates to “eating buddy”) specializes in Tsukemen or “dripping ramen,” which they describe as “a modern cousin of the traditional Japanese ramen dish invented in the 20th century. The noodles are dipped in a separate bowl of broth, allowing the consumer to enjoy the richer broth and firmer noodles.” It’s a bit of an IYKYK situation, but if you don’t, now is the perfect time to light up on all things Tsukemen, especially the 60-hour pork broth TabeTomoNYC.com
You don’t have to be a geek to rock these pieces—MoMA’s latest collaboration, inspired by a visit to Champion’s NYC archives, features retro sweaters and blazers. Courtesy of MoMA
MoMA’s design store is killing it with collaborations — samples with Nike and Bodum are still available on their site. The latest is with Champion, but it’s actually not their first partnership. A MoMA Champion hoodie, now in the museum’s collection, debuted in 2017 in conjunction withexhibition “Articles: Is fashion modern?” The latest collection features five pieces—a satin bomber jacket, hoodie, retro sweater, sweatshirt, and baseball top—all inspired by the store’s design team’s visit to Champion’s New York archives and (who knew?) their custom facilities in Kansas City. Priced from $45 – $145 at Store.MoMA.org
Austrian artist Egon Schiele’s landscapes are now on display at the Neue Galerie on the Upper East Side. Courtesy of Neue Galerie
Mention “Egon Schiele” to an art lover and they will undoubtedly mention the Austrian artist’s often haunting portraits. But it turns out that Schiele was also quite prolific in landscape painting. A selection of these works are now on display in the Neue Galerie New York exhibition “Egon Schiele: Living Landscapes”. The museum notes that with these works “flowers and trees take on the role of portrait subjects and convey an almost human appearance. Schiele’s landscapes always represent more than their apparent subject. His portrayal of nature and his interpretation of cities and trees embody the cycle of life and the human condition.” A fully illustrated catalog accompanies the exhibition. On view until January 13, 2025.
It’s hard to believe, but the designer who promotes playful pinks and pretty lilacs wore only black in her twenties.
That’s right, pastel-loving LoveShackFancy founder and creative director Rebecca Hessel Cohen once rocked New York’s unofficial color.
“Seriously, head to toe,” she tells Alexa. “And while I was always super feminine, my uniform was a black miniskirt with a blazer and high heels.”
It wasn’t until Cohen gave birth to her first daughter that she fell head over heels for what she calls “pink, flowers and fantasy.” Her flirty dresses, skimpy skirts and girly tops with whimsical prints quickly became favorites of stars like Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, Eiza Gonzalez, Emma Roberts and Sofia Richie. The extremely beautiful aesthetic of the lifestyle brand is also used as an adjective.
“I literally want everything,” model Leni Klum told Alexa at the LoveShackFancy fashion show in September.
Model Leni Klum dazzled in an ultra-feminine minidress at LoveShackFancy’s Spring 2025 runway show. Matt Borkowski/BFA.comOlympic gymnast Suni Lee said it’s “awesome” to wear LoveShackFancy. Shane Drummond/BFA.com
However, it’s not just dusty rose that looks romantic in the land of LoveShack. Hessel Cohen has presented Noir Nights, a monochromatic assortment of LBDs and citywear in darker shades, with a selection of ivory items for contrast. Turns out, tiered jet and tulle mini dresses look just as dreamy as blush ones.
“In honor of my twenty-year-old self and our daughters, with a little edge, it felt so right to offer all these gorgeous black styles this season,” explains the designer. “Obviously, dance and dress are at the heart of who we are. In light of this, we were inspired to create a collection that you can wear and go from NY to Paris, LA and Miami, wherever our daughter finds herself.”
Rebecca Hessel Cohen with adorable models at her Spring 2025 fashion show. Getty Images
The pieces are paired with all black, but they are anything but basic. Hessel Cohen embellishes them with “tulles, vintage-inspired lace, shimmer, sequins, paillettes, crystals and fine jewelry.” In terms of texture, there are soft velvets, smooth faux leathers and nubby tweeds.
Here’s a look at the ornaments from dusk till dawn.
Twenty years ago, Jennifer Hudson hit rock bottom. Like in the final three of “American Idol” – where she was shocked to be eliminated in the third season of the singing competition with supposed co-stars Fantasia Barrino and LaToya London. After her powerful pipes had carried her through covers of Aretha Franklin, Elton John and Whitney Houston, Hudson was the vocalist of choice on the night that rocked America, finishing a surprising seventh in the 2004 season, eventually beaten by Barrino .
“It seems like everything happens [for a reason]and I wouldn’t change any of them,” says Alexa Hudson, 43. “Everybody has their own path and there can only be one winner at that time. And, you know, I think Fantasia deserved to have earned – and I deserve to do everything I’ve done too.”
Indeed, that controversial elimination would prove to be “a gift” for the Chicago native, who went on to score an Oscar-winning role in 2006’s Dreamgirls and Grammy gold for her self-titled debut album in 2008. After winning a Daytime Emmy for her virtual reality venture “Baba Yaga” in 2021, she would complete EGOT status as producer of “A Strange Loop” when it won Best Musical Tone in 2022.
Not bad for an “American Idol” too-candy.
She wasn’t kidding when she famously told us, “And I’m telling you I’m not going.” As she chats with fellow stars on season three of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” she’s also returning to her roots as a singer with a new holiday album: “The Gift of Love.” While she hasn’t gone anywhere, it’s been 10 years since Hudson’s last LP (2014’s “JHud”).
Tom Ford dress, $4,990 at Neiman Marcus, 9700 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; Deco Swirl Earrings, price upon request at Hanut Singh; 18k gold soleil bracelet with diamonds, price upon request Djule; Diamond and citrine ring in 14k yellow gold, similar styles KallatiRamona Rosales
“I feel like it wasn’t [a decade] because I sing in everything I do,” says Hudson. “Through movies, commercials, various things, I never stopped singing. So I didn’t notice that I hadn’t had an official Jennifer Hudson album… But time flies, especially when you’re busy – and I’ve been a busy girl.”
As tumultuous as her career has been, Gift of Love was a labor of love. “What better way to give back than a Christmas album?” she says. “It has been a dream of mine throughout my career. I’m a holiday freak… so it makes sense.”
Hudson began recording the album after her talk show was discontinued over the summer. “I remember riding my bike, listening to Christmas music on the beach,” she says. “And I said, ‘We should probably listen to holiday music more than we do on vacation, because it gives you this peace and relaxation.’
Dress, $7,200 at Giorgio Armani; Heloise Platform Sandals, $1,025 Jimmy Choo; Diamond and sapphire earrings, similar styles at Here is Maria; Bracelets, Hudson’s own Ramona Rosales
But her “singing summer” still had its challenges as she trudged through sand instead of snow.
“I love Christmas carols and … how do you narrow it down so you know what to record?” says the singer. “But holiday music, at least for me, is sentimental. So like ‘A Christmas Carol,’ my grandmother loved this song, so it reminds me of my upbringing and the songs that my grandmother loved or that I would listen to around the house during the holidays.”
For Hudson, Christmas goes back to the church—where it all began for him—as reflected in “Go, Say on the Mountain.” “Growing up in the church, we had a candlelight march every Sunday before Christmas and did our Christmas programs,” she recalls. “My gospel roots had to be part of the album.”
But “Gift of Love” begins with “Hallelujah,” a stirring rendition of Leonard Cohen’s classic. “I was like, if ‘Hallelujah’ isn’t on it, then there’s no album,” Hudson says. “Some might not look at it as a holiday song, but … I just think it brings everyone together.”
Without a doubt, she’s been bringing the masses together — whether through music, movies or TV — since “American Idol.” She was ready to seize her moment when she got the chance to play Effie White in the film version of Dreamgirls. “I’m like, ‘I’m not going to let anything break my faith or stop me,’” she recalls, “because to have a second chance like that, I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity.”
After winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2007, the stakes suddenly rose for Hudson, who went on to appear in other films such as 2008’s Sex and the City, 2013’s Black Nativity and 2019’s “Cats.” But she was given the “ultimate honor” when she was cast as Aretha Franklin in the 2021 Queen of Soul biopic “Respect”.
“I’m like, ‘I’m not going to let anything break my faith or stop me,’” she recalls, “because to have a second chance like that, I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity.”
“It’s like, ‘Oh my god, Aretha Franklin … it’s my dream to play her!’ she says. “And then it’s like, ‘Oh my god, wait, I have to play Aretha Franklin!’ It’s a blessing and it’s exciting, but it’s also overwhelming. You know in whose footsteps you are walking, on whose shoulders you stand.”
After that royal role, Hudson went from the movies to the sofa, launching her own talk show in 2022.
“I come from a very talkative family with many personalities,” she says. “So if we’re not singing to you, we’re talking down to you. When the opportunity came to do the talk show… I said, ‘Wait a minute. You mean to tell me I’ll be able to sit on the couch and just talk? Baby, roll the camera!’”
One of Hudson’s guests was Grammy-winning rapper Common, who made their romance official when he showed up with flowers for the host on a January 2024 episode. The two bonded over their shared Chicago roots.
Balmain dress, $10,000 at Neiman Marcus Ramona Rosales
“I think that’s how we first connected,” she says, “because we were shooting ‘Breathe,’ and one day he was leaving the set and I walked on set, and security was like, ‘You and Common are so personable and so nice to everyone. What is that?’ This is what caught our attention. We have a similar energy about ourselves that connected us. We are similar people in many ways. And I attribute that to being from Chicago. It feels familiar. It feels like home.”
Hudson – who has a 15-year-old son, David, from her previous relationship with former professional wrestler David Otunga – talks about the special bond she’s found with Common. “It’s very beautiful – it really is,” she says. “It was hit differently. There’s nothing like it, that’s for sure.”
In fact, Common recently hinted that he might be ready to put a ring on it. “If I’m going to get married, it’s for her,” he said on The Breakfast Club radio show in July.
Libertine coat, $18,500 at Neiman Marcus; Blouse, $1,050 at Max Mara; Earrings and bracelets, Hudson’s own Ramona Rosales
“He keeps saying that,” Hudson replies with a laugh. “That’s a very strong statement.”
Common is featured on “The Gift of Love,” rapping on the original track “Almost Christmas.” And his flow and finesse with words inspired a hip-hop version of “Jingle Bells.” “We were on the phone, just having a conversation, and it was around Christmas,” Hudson says. “And I was like, ‘I was the night before Christmas and all over the house …’ and he turned it around and started styling. And he never left me.”
Hudson will take her Christmas show on the road with an intimate tour starting Nov. 24 at the Kings Theater in Brooklyn before hitting Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. “It will feel very festive, very family-oriented and very personal,” she says. “I can’t wait to come home to my musical family. That’s why I’m still here.”
Dress, $3,945 Dolce & GabbanaRamona Rosales
Wherever she goes from here, Hudson won’t forget the “Day Ones” — those who have stuck with her since her first audition for “American Idol,” singing Franklin’s “Share Your Love With Me” at one point prophetic.
“I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. This blows my mind when I look back,” she reflects. “I’m grateful for it all – to be in the industry for so long and to have the support and love that I have. I don’t take it lightly. And that’s why this album is a gift of love to everyone who has been with me.”
Editor: Serena French; Stylist: Ashley Pruit at The Only Agency; Photo Editor: Jessica Hober; Talent Booker: Patty Adams Martinez; Hair: Albert Morrison at Mastermind Mgmt; Makeup: Shannon Pezzetta at A-Frame Agency using Dior Makeup; Manicure: Temeka Jackson at A-Frame Agency using The GelBottle; Stage Fashion Assistant: Devontaè Goodwin; Dresser: Rebecca Moreno at The Only Agency
As part of the Grammy-winning band Duran Duran, “Bass God” John Taylor has toured the world, sold more than 100 million records and been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fashion has been part of the band’s success since its inception in 1978. The bandmates’ coordinated outfits (designed by everyone from Antony Price to Vivienne Westwood) helped them take over MTV with iconic videos like “Rio ” and “Ordinary World”. Taylor, who splits his time between London and LA, is also married to another style icon: Juicy Couture co-founder Gela Nash-Taylor.
Now Duran Duran is back on tour in support of its sixteenth album, Danse Macabre – a thrilling seasonal mix of the band’s songs alongside covers of hits by Billie Eilish, the Rolling Stones and Talking Heads – and the legends will play Madison Square Garden in NYC on Halloween. “There’s nowhere like it,” Taylor, 64, tells Alexa of MSG. “You must enter respectfully and be on your best behavior.” Leaving room for a little debauchery, of course. “There will be surprises!” promises the pop star. While Taylor isn’t ready to let go of those great moments, he’s happily sharing with us all the things—from music and art to workout gear—that rock his world.
Courtesy of Bass Central
“Since this is my signature bass, designed by bass maker Sheldon Dingwall, I am bound to be biased. But this really is the best damn bass ever.”
Courtesy of Lucky Scent
“This [smoky chamomile, vanilla and patchouli scent] it is one of my favorite colognes. I’ve been wearing it for years.”
Jeffrey Westbrook
“As soon as I started reading this, I realized how little I knew about the life of the painter David Hockney calls ‘The Greatest of the 19th Century’. It is much less written than Van Gogh, but no less fascinating. He led the impressionist revolution, the punk painters of their time.”
Courtesy of Etsy
“I’ve been working with this LA t-shirt company, Punk Masters, for years. We’ve recently turned up the heat and designed an entire collection of hats, merchandise, sweatshirts and hoodies. It’s a lot of fun.”
Jeffrey Westbrook
“One of my favorite songs on our latest album is our version of ‘Supernature,’ originally by Cerrone. It’s one of the greatest discos of all time.”
Courtesy of Latitude Festival
“I’m like a teenager when it comes to free merch, especially when Duran plays festivals like Latitude in the UK. Wristbands pile up, as do questionable hats and T-shirts, reminding me of who I am and what I do.”
Courtesy of David Zwimer
“I saw a very beautiful exhibition recently by the Indian artist Sosa Joseph at David Zwirner in London. She uses beautiful colors and her work is very spiritual.”
Courtesy of Adorama
“I’m crazy about hi-fi and I’m always upgrading my system. Recently, I bought a CD player, amplifier and streamer made by Naimi, an English company. I love the sound and the detail is fantastic.”
Jeffrey Westbrook
“My friend Orian Williams got up close and personal with this documentary about Brian Eno, the most restless and fascinating music maker of the 20th century. This is the soundtrack.”
Courtesy of Balanced Body
“While I’m on the road for a tour, I always like to grab a pair of stretches and a Pilates circuit for a set of floor exercises that I try to do every morning.”
The United Arab Emirates of Dubai is forever in the headlines for its hyperbolic endeavors: the world’s tallest skyscraper, the first ski slope in the Middle East, the largest shopping mall in the region. In this desolate city—one of the fastest growing in the world, where 88% of the population is foreign-born—conventional wisdom has long held that the more gilded, the more wrapped, the more dazzling, the more more luxurious. But that’s all about to change with the opening of Dorchester’s Lana Hotel.
In 2012, Mahdi Amjad had a modern vision for his adopted country. (He was born in Iraq.) As Dubai became an international business and entertainment hub, the developer believed that so would the tastes of its residents. After the global financial crisis had passed, the government dug a canal from the Dubai Creek to the east, to the downtown location of a planned (and destroyed) military base. The expansion enabled the development of a new quarter, the Marasi Marina in Business Bay, anchored by a lagoon directly opposite the Burj Khalifa (the aforementioned skyscraper in the world) and the “cultural” center known as the Dubai Mall (which billed itself as the most visited country in the world in 2023). The cranes went up – and with them, Amjad’s first step towards building a luxury hotel that would defy the gloom that dominates every other resort in the city, from the Palm Jumeirah to the Burj Al Arab.
With a sparkling rooftop pool, Lana brings a luxury ethos that doesn’t need to gild the lily to Dubai. Courtesy of The LanaThe hotel is part of a floating building in the air designed by Foster + Partners. Courtesy of The Lana
Amjad scoured the planet for a partner who shared his vision, eventually joining forces with London’s ultra-stylish Dorchester Collection hotel group. “I come from a residential background, so I always think about living spaces first, even in a hotel,” says Amjad, who is the founder and executive chairman of UAE development company Omniyat. “It doesn’t matter how extraordinary you create a building. If you don’t have an exceptional level of service, you don’t have an exceptional living experience.” And the boy delivered Dorchester.
Guests at Lana – the Dorchester Collection’s 10th hotel and first in the Middle East – enter through a porte cochere, where doormen decked out in breakfast suits with top hats offer a gloved hand to help them alight from the usual estate Rolls-Royces. Inside the 104-room, 121-suite accommodation, they are greeted in the Gallery (aka the Lobby) by sandy hues that reflect the Arabian desert – and zero gold.
The luxury here is not in the gilding, but in the textures, artwork, craftsmanship and amenities. Foster + Partners designed the stunning building, and while it stands out, sways and frames every enviable view of the city, it remains understated and graceful. French designers Gilles & Boissier dressed in a four-story draped chandelier, coffered ceilings, trolley-only bar service, intricate tile work and pink banquettes for afternoon tea.
The hotel offers 104 rooms and 121 suites – all elegantly appointed – from $925 per night. Courtesy of The LanaCulinary delights include pastries from world champion Angelo Musa. Hein van Tonder
A reflective wavy ceiling makes everyone look great at Jara, the hotel’s Basque restaurant (another first for Dubai), designed by 12-star Michelin chef Martín Berasategui, using wood-fire techniques. He’s in good company: French star chef Jean Imbert runs the hotel’s Côte d’Azur-inspired restaurant, Riviera, on the fourth floor, and High Society, an infinity pool with an adjacent cocktail bar on the 30th-floor rooftop. of, influenced by the ancient kingdoms that worshiped the sun. Upstairs, world pastry champion Angelo Musa cooks up an amazing tater tot that may be the best on the menu at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, where he is executive pastry chef. There is also a speakeasy where the bar manager can put whiskey in your favorite cigar for your next visit.
But where Lana really departs from the pack is in her spacious guest rooms. No detail has been overlooked: freestanding bathtubs with views, Vispring beds (just like British royalty sleep), Dyson hair dryers with custom colors in the suites, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies (even in the entry-level rooms ) and an amenity we’ve never seen in any hotel anywhere: a double electric clock. (We see you, Hublot fans!) You’ll be tempted to never leave the spacious rooms that start at 600 square meters, but the Dior Spa and gym on the 29th floor await.
Spacious guest rooms offer breathtaking views and freestanding bathtubs. Courtesy of The Lana
Lana officially opened in February, and despite the high prices, the brand says it’s doing brisk business. (As are the adjacent full-service residences.) It’s a marked departure from the Atlantis and the Taj and other top Dubai beach resorts, but if this urban oasis can’t sway Emirati design preferences and immigrants, we are not sure what can. European snobs are already sold. “It’s so beautiful, it’s like a dream,” Alexa tells French pastry chef Musa. “I wanted to cry when it opened.”
You probably won’t cry, but you might recalibrate your feelings about this fast-growing Emirate and its new approach to luxury. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself booking a return trip to the desert oasis before you even get out. Dubai, it seems, has come a long way, honey. And Lana is in charge. Rooms from $925; The Dorchester Collection
Giorgio Armani recently celebrated his latest silhouettes on the runway — and in the sky.
The legendary Italian designer presented his Spring 2025 fashion show to 650 glittering guests at the Park Avenue Armory and celebrated the opening of his spectacular new building at 760 Madison Ave. Last week’s high-profile runway event marked the first time the Italian esthete presented his ready-to-wear outside of Milan.
The dashing 90-year-old welcomed a star-studded crowd to his black-tie extravaganza, which was followed by a Chaka Khan concert and lavish party. Pamela Anderson sat alongside Amanda Seyfried, Brie Larson, Carmelo Anthony, Steven Yeun and LaKeith Stanfield. Looking dapper in their tufts were Brett Goldstein, Orlando Bloom and Liev Schreiber, while Lili Reinhart, Meghann Fahy and Brooke Shields dazzled in the evening’s finery.
From left: Pamela Anderson, Brie Larson and Brooke Shields attend Armani’s star-studded party. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Giorgio ArmaniOther celebrity guests included LaKeith Stanfield (left) and Steven Yeun. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Giorgio ArmaniThe show drew 650 glittering guests, including (from left) Amanda Seyfried, Brett Goldstein and AnnaSophia Robb. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Giorgio ArmaniIn celebration of the openings, Armani hosted its first-ever Spring 2025 ready-to-wear runway show in NYC.The show took place at the Park Avenue Armory. Tamara Beckwith/NY Post
“New York, for me, has always been associated with many films that have deeply shaped my imagination,” Armani said in a statement. “Thinking about the city in the 30s and 40s never ceases to inspire, and I evoke that mood in the new Giorgio Armani women’s collection.”
That glamorous era is reflected in the completely redesigned limestone and bronze building. The 12-story structure houses a world of refinement: Giorgio Armani boutiques and Armani/Casa, Armani/Ristorante (opening next month), and 10 luxury residences curated by the designer and created in collaboration with CookFox Architects and SL Green Realty Corp.
Apartments (all sold) have 10-foot ceilings, picture windows and modern amenities, including a concierge, fitness center, treatment room and tea lounge. Armani himself bought a unit.
The new 12-story building at 760 Madison Ave. is home to a new luxury Armani flagship along with an Armani/Casa store, an Armani/Ristorante and 10 carefully curated luxury residences – including one for the legendary Italian designer himself. Courtesy of the designer
The flagship occupies two levels and carries womenswear, evening wear, accessories, eyewear, beauty, fragrances, fine jewelery and a selection of Armani/Dolce confectionery products, alongside the men’s line. Very importantly, there is a private VIP shopping area and also made-to-order programs for women and men.
The new store and Bergdorf Goodman will carry an Exclusive New York Collection of 80s costumes, jewelry and custom pieces made in honor of the opening.
Armani/Casa, meanwhile, showcases the designer’s timeless furniture, fixtures and decor, along with wallpaper and fabrics.
Armani/Ristorante will open next month. Courtesy of the designerArmani’s new flagship is stocked with fine apparel, accessories, beauty and jewelry. Courtesy of the designer
Nearly 50 years after unveiling his first collection, Armani continues to shape fashion. In the 70s, he revolutionized suiting by simplifying the dress and relaxing the tailoring. In 1990, he introduced red carpet fashion as we know it by dressing five actresses for the Academy Awards. Since then, the designer has dressed everyone from Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Beyoncé, Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio in stylish outfits.
Whether you need a celebrity dress, an elegant suit, a soft-touch leather sofa or pasta del giornohead to Madison Avenue and 65th Street.
You shouldn’t believe Manhattan realtors when they say the rich are back to renting—the numbers say it all.
The number of households making at least $750,000 and choosing to rent increased by 10.5% between 2018 and 2022, according to the Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Consumer Finances.
Not only are they choosing to rent in the city, they are doing so strategically.
In the billionaires club
“People who work in finance, technology and fashion tend to focus on specific buildings, like a club, that they want to be ‘in’ on — buildings like 220 Central Park South and 445 Greenwich,” says Frances Katzen of Douglas Elliman, which is marketing the supertower. artistic. 53W53.
At 220 Central Park South, $90,000 a month gets epic views and billionaire neighbors.
Home to real estate billionaire Ken Griffin (who paid a record $238 million for his share of the tower), 220 CPS is a who’s who of the country’s vertical club: from defense financiers to defense CEOs to entertainment nabobs and musician Sting.
“My clients are willing to pay a premium for 220 Central Park South because it offers more than just luxury living — it’s a gateway to an exclusive community of billionaires and global influencers,” says Jessica Campbell of Nest Seekers. “What’s really driving demand is access to an elite circle of residents, where you never know which business titan or global leader you might meet in the elevator.”
Campbell has ranked no. 57B, a 3,211-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom space in the building for $90,000 a month.
‘Like-minded’ business titans
Other developers have also embraced the superluxe rental-meets-club trend and are adding inventory tailored to those who want every waking moment to be a shoulder-rubbing opportunity. An international group of business titans gather at Fasano’s at 815 Fifth Ave. — part private members’ club, part residence.
Three-bedroom duplexes in Fasano come with full staff and $140,000 a month in rent. Rinze Van Brug
Here, a one-bedroom 650-square-foot clubhouse unit goes for $50,000 a month (with a block of four three-bedroom duplex residences asking $140,000 a month).
“What’s really driving demand is access to an elite circle of residents, where you never know which business titan or global leader you might meet in the elevator.”
Jessica Campbell of Nest Seekers
You’ll get Thierry Despont furnishings, a sculptural staircase, full staff and views of Central Park—but even better, the home comes with “like-minded people,” says Erin Boisson Aries of Douglas Elliman, which is marketing the building. “We have a restaurant and it’s very social,” she says. “Although the minimum stay is 30 days, we have people staying for a year and up to three years.”
Global playground for the rich
Boisson Aries is also the broker behind another innovative, high-priced rental aimed at drivers on the West Side Highway.
Maison Hudson at 401 West St. it’s part of The Collection – a group of similar properties in key locations where the global rich love to chill: London’s Belgravia; St. Barts; French playgrounds Courchevel, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Paris.
It’s the cat climbing the stairs.
The New York location currently offers Residence 7, a 2,205-square-foot, two-bed, three-bath unit for $100,000 a month. Designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen with furnishings by Giorgetti and Battaglia, all the perks of living in a five-star hotel, the real comfort here is the friendliness offered by a boutique, 10-unit building, says Boisson Aries.
“It is discreet. It’s private. It is exclusive. It’s also so intimate and personalized,” she says. “Once you’ve tried New York, you want to go stay at the cottage in St. Barts.” Bottom line, here’s the kit – just be prepared to spend around $450,000 a week during the holidays.
Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion awards, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and popular cultural events in NYC. It’s our curated guide to the best things to see, buy, taste and experience around town.
What’s making our luxury list this week? Jacquemus’s first US store, a Barbie showroom at MAD and Marlo Laz opens on Madison Avenue.
French designer Simon Porte Jacquemus debuted his brand’s first US location in Soho. Courtesy of Jacquemus
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 two-story, 2,900-square-foot boutique was designed by OMA and is filled with important furniture by Frank Lloyd Wright and Jean Royere. But what might be of more interest is the exclusive merchandise, namely a hoodie, shirt, baseball cap and mug, available only at the Soho store or online. Jacquemus.com
If her resume is any indication, Meria Pergay is one of today’s most impressive furniture designers – check out her exhibition at Demisch Danant this fall. Courtesy of Maria Pergay
Maria Pergay may 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 of stainless steel and creating pieces that have aged remarkably well, as evidenced in a new exhibition at the Demisch Danant gallery. “Precious strength | Maria Pergay Over the Decades’ features 35 works created before and after Suzanne Demisch and Stephane Danant tracked her down (some 20 years ago) and dragged her out of relative obscurity to design once more. They have since defended Pergay, who died last year. This exhibition is as much a tribute to him as it is a testament to their perseverance and dedication. Through November 30, DemischDanant.com
The Museum of Arts and Design invites you to bring out your inner Barbie girl – celebrate the iconic doll with an exhibition of vintage memorabilia. Courtesy of MAD
“Barbie®: A Cultural Icon,” the live exhibit celebrating the iconic doll’s 65th anniversary, has opened here after welcoming record crowds in Phoenix and Las Vegas. It does not disappoint. On display: over 250 vintage dolls, 22 original ensemble outfits, advertisements and ephemera, and interviews with doll 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 MAD,” said Tim Rodgers, director of the Nanette L. Laitman Museum of Arts and Design. “More than just a toy for persuasion and role-playing, Barbie has responded to and reflected almost every important social advance over the past six decades.” Through March 16, 2025 at MADMuseum.org
Breakfast, lunch or dinner — Bar Sprezzatura has natural light and an extensive bar menu. Noah Fecks
Bar Sprezzatura, the sister building 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 the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast to the Big Apple, a tall order in the theater district. Optimistic inner self helps. One area, for example, is done in shades of pistachio and pink, with plenty of plants and lots of natural light. Like 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
Marlo Laz’s new location on Madison Ave offers a wonderful selection of jewelry. Courtesy of Katherine Goguen
That was quick. It’s now 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 its UES patrons, it’s opened at 965 Madison (between 75th and 76th streets). The interior, as before, was created by Jesse with her mother, interior designer Marcia Lazowski, as a reflection of Jesse’s global interests, travels and collections (including artwork by Sterling Ruby and Jorge Galindo). In addition to her gold charms, lockets and chains, visitors can browse and buy Kashmiri shawls, Murano candles and ceramics from Sevilla, Vallauris and Brazil. MarloLaz.com
