As I make my way off 59th and Lexington, I anticipate the sight of Nello and Hermes. But even more, I think of the showrooms I’ve been in and fashion shows I’ve watched. My time interning at DKNY and Alexander Wang elucidated the artistry manifested into creating these iconic fashion houses. Here they are, all on one strip, to be explored and celebrated. There is a sense of luxury and elitism that cannot be ignored as you walk on Madison Ave.
History: The Florists, Couture and Advertisers
I think it might be impossible to fully appreciate the Upper East Side’s “capital” without taking a look into its rich history. Named after former president James Madison, the strip became the home of a large number of New York’s advertisers unknowingly influencing the status of the area for years to come. However, with its close relation to the park, it seems as if it was always going to be the home to New York’s elite.
I wasn’t fully aware of Madison Avenue’s history, excluding the Lenape people. I didn’t know that it was once mostly “mom and pop” shops. Although always rich in culture, at its root, it was a residential area armored with beautiful brownstones which would soon become the homes to European designers. Residents dating back to the 30s and 40s remember Madison to be home to “the butcher, baker, and the candlestick maker to the carriage trade.” I believe the word “chic, but understated” was used to describe the clothes shops. Madison Avenue has been a place of luxury for a long time, as residents were dropping by flower shops in Rolls Royce’s but it wasn’t always the home to major fashion houses. Yves Saint Laurent seems to be of the first few to welcome New York’s iconic Madison into the home of international fashion and jewelry houses. Here we start to see the European influence take over the strip.
To this day we can see Madison’s “mom and pop” history and European influence. With the beautiful brownstones still intact and boutiques still operating with displays of their brand identity, it is a true history lesson. The presence of Le Relais, Nello, Eleven Madison Park, and Sant Ambroeus Madison truly allows you to eat your way through Madison Avenue.
Remember Life’s Favorite Memories on Madison Avenue
Not only a place for art, history, and culture, Madison Ave is truly the center of the world’s finest fashion and jewelry houses and “features spas and salons for exclusive pampering as well as four internationally renowned hotels.” Here we encounter the kindred spirit of a European shopping street, somewhat slower and a greater display of your own understanding of fashion. From Ralph Lauren, De Beers, Alice and Olivia, J.Crew, Carolina Herrera, and more, Madison Ave has everything you need. An undeniable partnership for World Bride Magazine, it was incredibly obvious that our brides and grooms, if not already here, need to be.
Whether you’re shopping for wedding events, honeymoon, gifts for family or date night – Madison Avenue is where you’ll find a piece of jewelry, outfit, and homeware that lasts forever. Here at World Bride Magazine, we quickly realized that you could anchor every momentous event of your life here, much like New York’s history.
Date Night
Shoes from Jimmy Choo and your outfit with Ramy Brooks
Engagement
De Beers could very well be your one stop shop as your lifelong jeweler but the engagement and wedding rings are simply out of a fairytale.
Wedding Party
I’m not sure if there’s a more iconic way to plan your bridal looks other than with Valentino and Ellie Saab.
Vacation
Build your honeymoon, pre -wedding trip, or family vacation with Tanya Taylor, Carolina Herrera, and Zimmerman.
Anniversary
Celebrate your anniversary with a pair of loafers from Fratelli’s anniversary capsule, celebrating seventy years in the fashion world.
Wellness
Whether you’re prepping for an event or prioritizing your wellness, find it with Wellness+ . Don’t forget your loungewear at Sunspel.
Much like the history of New York, you can quite literally find your life on Madison Avenue but as always, we see the heart of New York’s fine luxury hub in the people that make this community. As the Madison Bid puts on its annual Miracle on Madison giving 20% of the profit made on December 2nd to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we see that as this area continues to revolutionize luxury it is always a community where people live and come together.
Be sure to stay tuned into World Bride Magazine as we’re excited to share more of you’ll love in planning your engagement, wedding and momentous life occasions.