Intent on supporting the redevelopment of New York's financial district post–September 11 and on capturing the affluent demographic that now lives and works downtown, TIFFANY & CO. and HERMÈS have bullishly bet on Wall Street, giving brokers, bankers and pioneering residents a new pair of places to shop.
The Tiffany opening marks a bit of a homecoming for the retailer. Long before it occupied its storied building on Fifth Avenue, the premier jeweler was situated at 259 Broadway, in Lower Manhattan. This new space, on Wall Street, is tucked inside a Beaux-Arts building that Francis Kimball designed for the Trust Company of America in 1907. Toronto architecture firm Yabu Pushelberg's steel-framed glass cubes draw the eye to the sparkling gems contained within the 11,000-square-foot space while showcasing the rich architectural details of the interior, including restored marble walls and ornately carved cornices. In addition to exclusive items such as Jean Schlumberger's green-enamel and turquoise bracelet ($35,000) and Frank Gehry's brown banded-agate Torque bangle ($1,800), shoppers can find one-of-a-kind pieces such as a rubellite and diamond pendant with matching earrings ($77,500) and a pear-shaped pink-diamond ring ($930,000). 37 Wall Street; 212-514-8015; tiffany.com.
Located in the old J.P. Morgan building, across from the New York Stock Exchange, the Hermès store was created by architect Rena Dumas. Reminiscent of a walled courtyard, the boutique displays handbags and scarves as if they were jewels and offers new releases such as the travel-size Lindy bag, available in crocodile, calfskin or ostrich (from $5,000); a Birkin bag in saltwater crocodile ($149,000)—one of fewer than fifteen available in the world—adorned with a diamond clasp; and a hand-sequined-and-beaded silk-chiffon scarf decorated with Indian motifs ($4,850). Surrounding rooms highlight men's and women's ready-to-wear and home furnishings. 15 Broad Street; 212-785-3030; hermes.com.
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