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? Toteme’s second NYC outpost, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal share a stage, and Madonna’s guitars hit the auction block.
Uptown minimalists rejoice: Toteme has opened on 69th and Madison, meaning you no longer have to traverse multiple zipcodes to shop your favorite brand. The truly beloved Swedish-based label was founded in New York City 10 years ago by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman; the duo opened their first outpost in SoHo in 2022. Their new boutique, designed as before by Halleroed, spans 1,600 light-filled square feet and “blends the ornate with the austere.” The non-sartorial star of the show is a bright red sculptural staircase, with a sculpture by Anders Krisar in repose beneath it. The store’s debut was strategically scheduled to coincide with the brand’s debut on the NYFW schedule, and showcase looks from the fall 2024 collection, along with jewelry, shoes, and leather accessories, including the house’s emblematic T-Lock bag. Totem.com
The Peninsula Hotel, a landmark of New York Hospitality since 1904, recently unveiled newly refreshed guest rooms, public spaces, and a brand new rooftop lounge called the Pen Top. All were designed by the late Bill Rooney of Bill Rooney Studio, who was also tapped to refresh the brand’s Chicago property on the Magnificent Mile. The Pen Top is located in what was once Salon de Ning, and this new design was allegedly inspired by an artist’s loft. While we’re not seeing that, we are seeing very generous indoor and outdoor spaces with plenty of seating options offering incredible city views from almost every angle. Peninsula.com
Now is the time to peruse and book tickets for the often-sold-out Architecture and Design Film Festival. This year marks its 16th season, runs from September 25-28 at the Village East by Angelika theatre, and features global premieres that explore the influence of architecture, design, and art. The opening night spotlights the world premiere of “Stardust: The Story of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown,” with director Jim Venturi and critic Martin Filler (The New York Review of Books) in discussion post-screening. To buy tickets or explore details about specific films, including the speaker lineup, go to ADFilmFest.com
NYC Downtown: The Auction takes place on September 25 at 2 p.m., featuring a treasure trove of artifacts associated with The Chelsea Hotel. They include Madonna’s first guitars, her drum set and early recordings, three original portraits painted by Jean-Michel Basquiat — two following the death of Andy Warhol and one of the late graffiti artist Keith Haring. Also featured: the original neon letters from the Hotel’s iconic sign (restored and mounted), a sign from El Quixote restaurant, and several original doors to the rooms of the hotel. There will be a live preview at The Chelsea Hotel on September 22 and 23, but the auction will be conducted online on September 25 via LiveAuctioneers.com and invaluable.com
Tickets are now on sale for “Othello,” starring Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington as Othello and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. Previews will begin February 24, opening night is March 23 and the 15-week engagement will be at the Barrymore through June 8. Tony Award winner Kenny Leon directs this particular production; Molly Osborne will make her Broadway debut as Desdemona. Fun fact: The Barrymore was last home to “Othello” almost 90 years ago when a production played in rep with “Macbeth” in September and October of 1935. OthelloBway.com
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