VIBE

Since its founding in 1837 as a luxury harness workshop specializing in hand-tooled leather frippery for the aristocracy, the house of Hermès has been an exclusive one. Though the original harnesses live on only in the label’s equestrian logo, the clientele–a mix of well-coiffed ladies and gentleman from the world over–remain ever in the upper crust. Its signature scarves (which are still handcrafted from the Hermès cache of about 200,000 custom dyes and count Queen Elizabeth II, Anna Wintour, and Madonna among their fans) are the line’s bestseller, but the elegant glass-roofed Madison Avenue location also sells their famous handbags, jewelry, trunks, and clothing.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

A classic gift (those scarves and ties work for pretty much any occasion)

WHY WE LIKE IT

The Madison Avenue flagship carries the full collection, so if you’re in the market for a scarf or other classic Hermès product, it will be here. Even if we’re not on the hunt for anything specific, we like popping in to browse–those scarves are so lovely to look at, and the staff is pleasingly welcoming (such a nice change from stuffier designer boutiques!).

GOOD TO KNOW

Some cool trivia: during the holiday season, one Hermès scarf is sold every 20 seconds, and in the early 20th century, Hermès acquired rights to the newly invented zipper, becoming the first ever to offer it in France (on a golf jacket made exclusively for the Prince of Wales, no less).

OTHER LOCATIONS

Wall Street (New York); JFK Airport (New York); East Hampton (New York); Manhasset (New York); Paris; various locations worldwide

CLOSEST COMPS

Louis Vuitton (Paris, New York); Tiffany & Co. (New York); Asprey (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.