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Set within the Plaza Hotel’s retail collection is the showy first U.S. shop of German leather-goods brand MCM (Mode Creation Munich). Against a backdrop of gleaming black counters, mirrored walls, and streaming-video flat-screens are items that are heavy on patent leathers, bright colors, and embossed crocodile. Ladies’ handbags sit on the large square table that dominates the space. Black-and-white-checkerboard purses with matching heeled booties, embossed-crocodile leather bags in Crayola hues, and black patent-leather totes with shaggy lamb's fur lining are all attention grabbers—as are the real croc skins behind the counter. Men’s bags—with more subtle shapes, colors, and hardware—line the reflective walls, as do soft travel bags and hard luggage with MCM’s signature monogram on coated linen. Also on display: clutches, wallets, belts, and even dog leashes. — Katie Hintz