By Audrey Tempelsman
Who says the trendy Meatpacking District is too well done and that its luster is starting to fade? New and upcoming businesses moving into the neighborhood will get your juices flowing — for better or worse.
Apple recently announced plans to open a new store on the corner of 14th St. and Ninth Ave., former home of Belgian brasserie MARKT. Though the notoriously tight-lipped company declined to give details, rumors have already sprouted: According to several sources, the new location will be the biggest of those in the Big Apple — outstripping the Soho and Midtown locations by several thousand square feet.
In May, the Diane von Furstenberg flagship boutique and company headquarters moved to the corner of 14th and Washington Sts. Designed to resemble a jewelry box, the mosaic of mirrored tiles swirling across the ceiling reflects the lilac floor. The continuous, white “wrap wall” hugging the perimeter is an architectural reference to the designer’s legendary contribution to women’s wear: the wrap dress.
A stage at the store’s entrance will showcase tableau vivants corresponding to the latest in fashion or local events. Shoppers who’ve grown weary while traversing the store’s 21,000 square feet can refresh themselves at the full-service bar.
Poleci (pronounced “policy”), a Los Angeles-based brand founded in 1990 by sisters Diane Levin and Janice Levin-Krok, moved into 32 Gansevoort St. in June. The company’s collections are fashion-forward, yet feminine, and have appeared in international Vogue magazines, as well as People, Lucky and WWD.
Italian shoe company Iris, which manufactures for Marc Jacobs, Chloé, John Galliano and other top designers, opened its first U.S. location at 827 Washington St. in July. For the insatiable shoe-lover, this is some serious sole food: Well-heeled customers will swoon over styles previously unavailable in New York. (Average buyer be warned: The prices are staggering.)
Will Regan and David Rabin of Lotus are readying Los Dados at 71-73 Gansevoort St., the space formerly occupied by MEET.
“Mexican home cooking” is the theme, according to Rabin, who envisions a “real neighborhood restaurant” warmed by the reclaimed woods and vibrant colors typical of Mexican design.
Los Dados co-owner Sue Torres of Suenos will make use of her extensive studies of Mexican regional cuisine. With appetizers ranging from $5 to $9 and entrees from $14 to $19, visitors will have little reason not to take a chance come August.
Regan and Rabin are also championing the return of Double Seven, this time in the old Rhône space at 63 Gansevoort St., in October. While the new location outsizes the old, it will revive the original menu of post-Prohibition-era cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices and hand-cut chunks of ice. Also available is outdoor seating for a sunset cocktail, and a small menu for those looking for a light bite after work or late at night.
In the fall, a new Helmut Lang clothing store will open on 14th St. between Ninth Ave. and Washington St.
