Alex Sepkus marks his 20th year in jewelry design doing what he does best…creating miniature masterpieces in platinum, 18K yellow and rose gold, featuring the finest diamonds and gemstones. Each piece, crafted in his NYC studio, is a world of vivid imagination and fantasy, mystery and whimsy. Everything about Alex Sepkus, the artist, is inimitable as is his work, from his signature microscopic detailing to his unique interpretations of art, literature and nature that inspire him. It is no surprise that Alex Sepkus jewelry is not for everyone. He is one-of-a-kind, like the people who covet and collect his work for its beauty, originality and rarity.
Sitting on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Midtown since October 1940, Tiffany & Co.’s flagship shop is a world-renowned destination. Diagonally across the street from Tiffany’s is also the longstanding New York City flagship of Van Cleef & Arpels; the jeweler opened its doors just two years later in 1942. From the outside, both shops maintain their art deco aesthetic, and even more visual splendor is experienced inside with an array of impressive and expertly crafted pieces. This intersection alone speaks volumes of the type of jewelry to be found in Manhattan: timeless.
All along Fifth Avenue, peruse the luxury offerings from the likes of Cartier, Harry Winston and De Beers Diamond Jewellers. One street over, Madison Avenue is home to wearable works of art. Brilliant diamonds, rubies and sapphires are used to transform whimsical items like phoenix pendants and serpent rings into pieces that can be worn season after season.
While these two streets are the main thoroughfares for shopping, not-to-be-missed jewelers are also hidden in other locales. Heading south to trendy areas of Manhattan like the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Tribeca, boutiques like Doyle & Doyle are a testament to the everlasting quality of vintage heirlooms. The one-of-a-kind items found in these storefronts in Midtown and the Meatpacking District defy time and will be en vogue for lifetimes to come.
1. Efva Attling
Headquartered in Sweden, Efva Attling’s only U.S. boutique is in New York.
“Efva Attling is an amazing Scandinavian jewelry designer that has thoughtful pieces, which definitely make a statement,” says Tim Markman, lead concierge at The Standard, High LIne. (36 Little W. 12th St.; 212-510-7071; efvaattling.com)
2. Kara Ross
Necklaces, bracelets and rings take a whimsical turn in the award-winning designer’s only eponymous boutique. (655 Madison Ave.; 212-755-8100; kararossny.com)
3. Reinstein/Ross
Reinstein/Ross’ Gansevoort Street storefront
“Reinstein/Ross … also has a gallery space to exhibit progressive works,” Markman says. “They can customize their beautiful pieces to anyone’s taste.” (30 Gansevoort St.; 212-226-4513; reinsteinross.com)
3. Lalique
“Of French heritage, Lalique specializes in an array of men’s and women’s wearable jewelry with exclusive collaborations with today’s artists,” says Linda Pham, attache at The Quin. “In addition to jewelry, they also feature collections of interior design, bridal [rings], perfumes and art pieces. Their designs range from simple elegance to intricate cuts and stone arrangements, each with a distinct character of their own.” (609 Madison Ave.; 212-355-6550; lalique.com)
4. Kwiat
“We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” Pham says. “Kwiathouses an array of traditional [as well as] abstract to out-of-this-world diamond designs. They feature on-site gemologists who will be able to take you on a crash course journey to finding the right gem, cut and setting to suit your preferences.(725 Madison Ave.; 212-725-7777; kwiat.com) C
5. Avakian
Avakian, located inside Four Seasons Hotel New York, blends Latin and Oriental influences in its jewelry and objets d’art created for collectors.
Located inside Four Seasons Hotel New York, Avakian features pieces designed and created with rubies, diamonds, emeralds or jade. (57 E. 57th St.; 212-872-1323; avakian.com)
Wynwood Walls (Courtesy of EQRoy / Shutterstock.com)
Wynwood Walls (Courtesy of EQRoy/Shutterstock.com)
By Sharon Stello
Once a run-down set of shuttered factories—reminders of its former life as a manufacturing district—Wynwood has gained attention for its artful reinvention, transforming these neglected buildings into dozens of galleries, performance spaces and eclectic eateries. This neighborhood, together with nearby Edgewater, a rapidly emerging community with million-dollar views along Biscayne Bay, is worth more than just a passing glance.
Nestled between the Design District’s upscale shops to the north and downtown Miami to the south, Edgewater skirts the water on one side and Wynwood on the other; a railroad track cuts a diagonal border between the two communities. The west side of the tracks is home to arts and fashion districts and the famous Wynwood Walls. These massive murals started as a project in 2009, sparking the area’s revitalization, while Art Basel Miami Beach, which returns Dec. 3-6, has helped encourage the neighborhood’s development as a creative center.
Moving toward the coast, high-rise luxury condo buildings are popping up in previously blighted Edgewater, which also features a stretch of Biscayne Boulevard, a major thoroughfare filled with restaurants and shops. Along this corridor, Miami Modern—MiMo, for short—architecture is represented by landmarks such as the Bacardi Building (the rum company’s former headquarters) at 21st Street. Meanwhile, thriving Latin American and Puerto Rican communities can be found in Edgewater and Wynwood, weaving a rich tapestry of culture and history amid the growth and development, making this area of the city a multilayered region ready for exploration. Here are the top 10 sights to see when visiting:
1. “Lagniappe is a very laid-back restaurant with a wonderful wine and craft beer selection,” says Jorge Rocha, chef concierge at Viceroy Miami. “The place looks like they pulled it right out of New Orleans. This is one place to go with a group of friends or a romantic date.” (3425 N.E. Second Ave.; 305-576-0108; lagniappehouse.com)
2. “Make sure to stop by Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop & Cafe,” saysFernando Pochulu, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Miami. This firefighter learned to bake at the age of 15 and decided to open his own shop. Baked to perfection (as expected from a man that controls fire as a part-time job), Derek has some of the best cheesecake and Key lime pies in Miami.” (2818 N. Miami Ave.; 786-449-2517; firemanderekspies.com)
R House
3. R House fuses an art gallery, music venue, restaurant and lounge, according to Pochulu. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for local disc jockeys and a drink menu that includes fruit-infused vodka martinis. American, Mediterranean, Asian and Latin influences combine for a menu with everything from yellowfin tuna tartare to Brazilian seafood moqueca. (2727 N.W. Second Ave.; 305-576-0201; rhousewynwood.com)
Wood Tavern (Courtesy Maicol Diaz)
4. All are welcome at Wood Tavern, which seems right at home in free-spirited Wynwood. “Craft brews and cocktails are a fixture of the outdoor picnic tables and won’t break the bank,” says Tatsiana Dubrouskaya, head concierge at Sagamore, The Art Hotel. (2531 N.W. Second Ave; 305-748-2828; woodtavernmiami.com)
5. Wynwood Walls began in 2009 as a venture to transform the district’s windowless warehouses into a canvas for underappreciated graffiti and street art. “This street art center defines Miami’s creative community and has established the city as a mecca for artists and art lovers alike,” Dubrouskaya says. (2520 N.W. Second Ave.; thewynwoodwalls.com)
6. “Centrally located in the … Edgewater area of Miami, Core Fitness Miami uses … innovative methods,” says Felipe Toro, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami. “From personal training [to] athlete training and group training, Core Fitness has separated themselves from this competitive market. Test your body and energy levels with personalized or boot camp-type training to give you the extra motivation needed.” (162 N.E. 25th St.; 305-428-2642; corefitnessmiami.com)
Bunbury
7. “Bunburyin Wynwood … [is a] small and charming little shop,” says Melany Ramsay, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. “[It offers] a wide variety of wines you can pick straight from the shelf and accompany with great tapas [and] cheese platters.” (2200 N.E. Second Ave.; 305-333-6929)
8. “An art gallery that is definitely worth visiting is the Diana Lowenstein Gallery,” Ramsaysays. “… We are very fortunate to have some beautiful pieces displayed in The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. … But in order to get a true eye-opening experience, it is necessary to go to the gallery and explore the incredible works firsthand.” (2043 N. Miami Ave.; 305-576-1804; dianalowensteingallery.com)
9. “City Hall the Restaurant offers great American comfort food,” Rocha says. “It is a great option before an event at the Arsht Center. You can have light appetizers and drinks, or a full meal.” (2004 Biscayne Blvd.; 305-764-3130; cityhalltherestaurant.com)
Bin No. 18
10.Bin No. 18 Bistro & Wine Bar is a popular place to stop before and after art gallery walks and shows in Miami Beach,” says Mariana Malek, chef concierge at Trump International Beach Resort. “In addition to a wide variety of beer and wine, Bin No. 18 presents what it calls market-fresh “roadside European cuisine” including handmade pasta as well as cheese and charcuterie boards. (1800 Biscayne Blvd.; 786-235-7575; bin18miami.com)
Mercer Street in Soho (Stockelements/Shutterstock)
Mercer Street in Soho (Stockelements/Shutterstock)
By Sharon Stello
The Soho moniker stands for “South of Houston Street,” but the neighborhood’s other boundaries aren’t as clearly defined. “I would say Lafayette and Sixth Avenue are the eastern and western borders,” explains Carmen da Silva, chef concierge at Soho Grand Hotel. “There’s now a South Village neighborhood that I think would encompass the area west of Sixth Avenue and because Soho shopping extends a lot further east now, I generally throw in suggestions all the way to Lafayette. I would consider Osteria Morini and Jack’s Wife Freda to be in Soho, for example.”
Much like its tendency to push its geographical boundaries, the neighborhood in Lower Manhattan has continually reinvented its cultural identity over the years. Once called Hell’s Hundred Acres after a series of destructive fires, the former industrial zone was revitalized when artists began moving into the region in the 1960s and 1970s, turning abandoned structures into lofts and forming an avant-garde community. Thanks to the new residents and developers during this time, most of Soho’s historic charm remains intact—it’s home to some of the city’s few remaining cobblestone streets and boasts several buildings with ornate cast-iron facades.
Today, Soho is regarded for its role as an upscale shopping destination in Manhattan, with designer boutiques from Stella McCartney to Prada, Opening Ceremony, Acne Studios and Veda now filling the vibrant neighborhood. “Soho is truly a shopping mecca of unique and varied boutiques,” da Silva says. “However, aside from shopping, Soho now offers a growing number of art galleries, spas, speakeasies, museums and sightseeing destinations.”
“Soho is a place that I send guests almost daily,” adds Michael Romei, chief concierge at The Towers of the Waldorf Astoria New York. “Many look to visit for trendy and fashionable shopping as well as an abundance of great restaurants.”
The stores, eateries and buildings all combine to offer a quintessential view of New York life—both past and present—and may also leave visitors wondering about Soho’s next reincarnation. Here are the top 10 places to visit when you’re in the neighborhood:
The Dutch (Courtesy of Noah Fecks)
1. “THE DUTCH is hip, delicious and consistently terrific,” says Jolie Mansky, chef concierge of Urban Concierge US. “The desserts are mouthwatering and there is an extensive, wonderful wine list. Cocktails are unique and flavorful. Whenever I have out-of-town guests, this is my first stop in Soho (the second being the always wonderful Balthazar). A bustling Soho restaurant with a full raw bar and late-night eats serving American fare, wine and spirits, it’s the brainchild of Andrew Carmellini, Josh Pickard and Luke Ostrom. The food is locally sourced, delicious and the space is great. Not to be missed is the hanger steak with kimchee fried rice and a farm egg.” (131 Sullivan St.; 212-677-6200; thedutchnyc.com)
2. “If you’re a macaron fan, LADURÉE now has a beautiful shop and full restaurant in Soho,” da Silva says. “It’s a great destination for an afternoon tea as well with a stunning backyard.” (398 W. Broadway; 646-392-7868; ladureeus.com)
Raoul’s
3. “RAOUL’S [is] a timeless French bistro,” says Jeanie Voltsinis, chef concierge at Viceroy New York. “Once you enter, you escape the hustle and bustle and enter a dining room full of life and locals.” (180 Prince St.; 212-966-3518; raouls.com)
4.“One of my favorite independent bookstores in Manhattan, MCNALLY JACKSON BOOKS has a world-class selection of novels, magazines and gift items, and there is also a great cafe,” Romei says. (52 Prince St.; 212-274-1160; mcnallyjackson.com)
Dominique Ansel Bakery (Courtesy Thomas Schauer)
5. “DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY here in Soho is of course well known for their creative cookie shot and Cronut,” da Silva explains. “If you don’t have the time to wait in line in the morning, they now take pre-orders online two weeks in advance at 11 a.m. every Monday for their Cronut of the month.” (189 Spring St.; 212-219-2773; dominiqueansel.com)
6. “PRATIMA SPA is a holistic spa [offering] truly organic facial services and massage therapy,” da Silva says. (110 Greene St., Ste. 701; 212-581-8136; pratimaskincare.com)
7. “My next choice is … THE EVOLUTION STORE,” Voltsinis says. “I like to compare them to the American Museum of Natural History. They offer items from all over the world, truly unusual items from nearly 500 million-year-old fossils to iron meteorites from outer space.” (120 Spring St.; 212-343-1114; theevolutionstore.com)
A Brooklyn steamer in the New York City Fire Museum.
8. “The NEW YORK CITY FIRE MUSEUM houses old horse-drawn fire engines, steam engines and hand-pumpers all in an old firehouse in Soho,” da Silva recommends. (278 Spring St.; 212-691-1303; nycfiremuseum.org)
9. “A must-see, the original ST. PATRICK’S OLD CATHEDRAL is steeped in history with an endless amount of stories tied to its deep-seated timeline,” Romei says. “It was the first cathedral church [for the Diocese of New York] and the second Catholic church in Manhattan. … The building was completed in 1815, and they are now celebrating their 200th anniversary.” (263 Mulberry St.; 212-226-8075; oldcathedral.org)
Counter Culture Coffee (Courtesy Alan Tansey, Counter Culture Coffee)
10. “COUNTER CULTURE COFFEE’S New York Training Center (for both professional baristas and home brewers) offers free public cuppings, called the Tasting at Ten series, every Friday at 10 a.m.,” da Silva says. (376 Broome St.; 888-238-5282; counterculturecoffee.com)
Gal pals can catch up and indulge by following these suggestions from Vicky Reyes, chief concierge at SLS South Beach.
Icebox Cafe
To start the day, Icebox Cafe serves fresh, seasonal dishes—organic scrambled eggs, guava-filled French toast and lemon ricotta pancakes—in a sophisticated, but comfortable setting. (1855 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach; 305-538-8448; iceboxcafe.com)
Flywheel
Flywheel (Courtesy of Audrey Amelie Rudolf)
Later, for ladies who enjoy exercise, Reyes suggests a class at Flywheelwith its stationary bikes arranged in stadium-style rooms and large leaderboard screens that motivate through a little friendly competition. (1919 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach; 305-763-8227; flywheelsports.com)
Beach
Follow the fitness session with a few hours of well-earned relaxation by soaking up some sun; Miami offers miles of coast on which to lay your towels down, but Reyes suggests the beach in front of the SLS South Beach. (Collins Avenue and 17th Street, Miami Beach)
SLS South Beach
The guest pool at SLS South Beach (Courtesy of SLS South Beach)
“For the evening, I recommend manicures and pedicures at the pool. We can bring in technicians to take care of all the ladies poolside at the SLS South Beach.” (1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-1701; slshotels.com)
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Pico y Picante at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Once the group is ready, head out for dinner and drinks to toast your time together in Miami. “For a group of girls … if they’re on the more wild side, I like to send them to Bodega Taqueria y Tequila.” (1220 16th St., Miami Beach; 305-704-2145; bodegasouthbeach.com)
Alex Sepkus marks his 20th year in jewelry design doing what he does best…creating miniature masterpieces in platinum, 18K yellow and rose gold, featuring the finest diamonds and gemstones. Each piece, crafted in his NYC studio, is a world of vivid imagination and fantasy, mystery and whimsy. Everything about Alex Sepkus, the artist, is inimitable as is his work, from his signature microscopic detailing to his unique interpretations of art, literature and nature that inspire him. It is no surprise that Alex Sepkus jewelry is not for everyone. He is one-of-a-kind, like the people who covet and collect his work for its beauty, originality and rarity.
