Céline

Profile

It’s fitting that the Upper East Side Céline boutique is just a few blocks away from the Whitney Museum of American Art—the Madison Avenue shop is stark, sweeping, and mildly intimidating, rivaling any number of the city’s galleries and art institutions. Like in a gallery, the focus here is solely awarded to the items on display—Phoebe Philo’s understated chic womenswear designs and accessories. The store’s sleek interior design and neutral tones are the perfect frames for the headless mannequins strung up by silver chain-links in the storefront window and the centerpiece clothing racks and handbag-filled display cases that spotlight Philo’s latest collections. As the only Céline boutique in New York City, the space is appropriately vast, with two levels connected by a spiraling staircase. Housing most of the current Céline collection, any missing pieces may be ordered and shipped directly to the boutique for clients. Despite its cool demeanor, the store maintains a warm, personal touch, and this extends from the sharply dressed doorman to the personal shoppers who can help women choose from among the tailored, elegant goods. — Jen Ortiz