(Photo: David Allee)

Ever since Vanessa Noel closed her Madison Avenue boutique in the mid-nineties to focus on wholesale, shoe mavens have flocked to Bergdorf Goodman for her sexy shoes. Now Noel’s endlessly hyped—and endlessly postponed—new boutique finally opens October 14 on the ground floor of a renovated six-story townhouse (158 East 64th Street; 212-906-0054). The 1,750-square-foot space will house her self-titled line, as well as the less expensive Vanno collection (from $250), the prêt-à-porter line, and her bridal footwear. Expect to see vampy animal-print sandals with rhinestone ankle straps ($560), chic slides, and sleek kitten heels.

Uptown hipsters who want downtown cred no longer have to hop the 1 or A trains to Steven Alan. The latest branch opens October 19 (465 Amsterdam Avenue, near 82nd Street). The quarters are a little more cramped, but they’re still loaded with coveted men’s and women’s labels like Christopher Deane and Charlotte Corday.

Charity-circuit regulars will be happy to know that Judith Leiber’s jazzy minaudières will also be available at her newly minted flagship (680 Madison Avenue, at 61st Street; conveniently next to Barneys and Nello) on October 15. Look out for ballerina flats with cushion-cut gemstones and alligator slingbacks with mink trim.

Other notable openings: Links of London’s new flagship (402 West Broadway; 212-343-8024; October 14) houses its first-ever diamond collection. And Lockes Diamantaires jewelry boutique at the Shops at Columbus Circle has walls brushed with diamonds and ceilings adorned with gold and silver leaves (October 11).

Related:

• Archive: “The Storefront: Openings & Closings”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: Oct 18, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!