Wednesday, September 29, 2010

RALPH LAUREN MANSION DEUX



There is no doubt that the Rhinelander mansion, flagship for the Ralph Lauren empire, is one of the most exquisite buildings in the city. The massive French Renaissance Revival mansion sits majestically  on 72nd and Madison Avenue, prime NYC real estate.  Built in 1898 by Kimball & Thompson, Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo, the New York heiress who commissioned the mansion, never lived there. Lucky for us, the mansion is open for business seven days a week. For me, it's a secret refuge-the place I go to for a little pick me up.

Enter the thick mahogany doors, graciously held by a handsome gentleman clad in an impeccable Ralph Lauren suit and your mood is instantly transformed. The intoxicating scent of candles and enormous silver centerpiece of lily's greets you in the massive foyer. I can't wait to walk the worn Persian carpets and touch the polished hand carved staircase that leads me a design mecca of sorts-the Ralph Lauren Home store. Crystal, china, cashmere and a comfy chair to take it all in-I'm in heaven.

Which leads me to a piece of good news-the new Ralph Lauren Women's store will be open in mid-October.  It's been two years since Ralph Lauren Sport, housed in a white nondescript building across the street from the mansion has been razed.  After months of endless bulldozers, scaffolding and city red tape, it looked like it would never be done.



But it is, and it's simply magnificent! The new Ralph Lauren Women's store will be open in October. A petite sister to the Rhinelander mansion, the lush limestone Beau-Arts building is four stories in height. Designed by the Hut Sachs Studio of NY, the influence of the Rhinelander mansion, as well as the Frick and Duke mansions is immediate. I can't wait to see the stunning interiors, shop the winter line, and of course, find an elegant Ralph chair to sit, relax and take it all in!

19 comments:

The Buzz Blog said...

The mansion has always been such a luxurious place to shop and now with a new store opening across the street, it's double the pleasure. RL opened in Greenwich, too... just beautiful!

Hamptontoes said...

Everything about Ralph Lauren equates classly and beautiful. I've loved the UES Bldg for years...how can you not be transformed when walking into that space. I even love walking into the East Hampton stores...so fabulous!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

OOOOOOOO LA LA! Since I won't be able to see it in person myself, thanks for the next best tour :)

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

I was at the store on Monday, I love it there. And really, how many people go by it without noticing the spectacular setting. One of the first things I tell people visiting NY for the first time is to look up! Not just at the store windows.

red ticking said...

can you imagine the stress level behind this? and the genius minds? i cant wait to see it... and thank you sweet friend for the update....

red ticking said...

and whenever i walk into the mansion... i see and smell those flowers and want to die every time... TO DIE FOR...xx

Gwen Driscoll said...

I love it there too! Can't wait to see the new store. Hope you are well.

Unknown said...

I agree. The mansion has often been the spot Grant and I would visit together on a Saturday get away to the city. And, now a new store to enjoy! Let me know when you need a pick me up....I'll meet you there!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

I too can't wait to see the new space -of course..i'll have less of an excuse to gawk as the rhinelander mansion will remain mens wear!

Blooming Rose Musings said...

The mansion has always been an elegant place and a NY shopping landmark. And now the new store across the street is an added bonus for both shopping and NYC architecture. Thank you for the great update.

Gary Lawrance said...

A wonderful example of reusing an old building and making it even better than when it was built. There's a great story about it in today's New York Times Real Estate section by Christopher Gray

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