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The Jewelry

FD Gallery


In a town house on 80th, just around the corner from Madison Avenue, a trove of rare antique jewelry awaits. Verdura, Tiffany & Co., Boucheron, Cartier—it’s all there, along with vintage accessories from the likes of Chanel and Hermès. FD Gallery is the brainchild of investment manager turned curator Fiona Druckenmiller, who buys and sells some of the rarest and most coveted pieces around. An entry-level option is this Art Deco–era bracelet, which dates back to the 1920s. Made of platinum links set with purple and white enamel, it tells a story in eight charms, some of which feature old-cut diamonds or other gems. Mother’s Day is imminent … ($8,500; fdgallery.com)

The Vintage Purveyor

Hello Banana


Bailey Leiter sources the very best vintage around—much to the delight of shoppers far beyond her boutique, in Manhattan’s East Village, who can purchase her finds via Instagram. At the storefront, Hello Banana—the name nods to the Tommy James and the Shondells song “I Am a Tangerine”—you can peruse her meticulous curation of affordably priced pieces, primarily from the 60s and 70s, in person and then trot over to Dirt Candy for dinner. If, while there, you are mistakenly credited with wearing an ensemble fresh from Bergdorf’s, you have Leiter to thank. (Prices range from $68 to $135, instagram.com/hellobananavintage)

The Dress

Rodarte


In the past, we’ve been a bit too hard on Rodarte. As much as we love and respect the brand, the price points of yore were prohibitive. Believe it or not, what we’re seeing here marks a significant re-frame, but given the amount of style and craftsmanship involved in everything the Mulleavy sisters make, it’s a worthy investment. Take this rose-print dress, handmade in the United States from silk crêpe and finished with floral appliqués and a black satin collar. Its faintly 40s silhouette and elegant midi length would make it right at home in a period drama, but it’s sure to turn heads in ’21—and far beyond—as well. ($1,614; matchesfashion.com)

The Sandals

Valentino Garavani


Do we wear Birkenstocks more than we care to admit? Yes. But after a year of erring on the side of practicality, a dressier look is in order. Hence our affection for these Atelier sandals from Valentino Garavani. Made of buttery-soft red leather, they resemble roses blooming in full splendor. Just the thing to take a floral dress over the top, or add a bit of extra oomph to basic cotton sundresses. They’ll liven up white jeans or wide-legged pants, too. Best of all, they’re flat and secured with ankle straps to ensure that comfort is never sacrificed in the name of style. ($1,090; matchesfashion.com)

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Issue No. 92
April 17, 2021
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Issue No. 92
April 17, 2021