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Although a conglomerate purchased Henri Bendel in the 1980s, this four-story luxury department store still exudes the atmosphere of an exclusive boutique. Founded by its namesake in 1895, Bendel attracted clients like the Astors and the Vanderbilts by importing designer wares and reportedly staging New York City's first-ever fashion show. The founder's tradition of showcasing up-and-coming upscale designers continues today, and celebrities such as Stephen Burrows and Anna Sui credit the store with the start of their success. Though the available brands and layout of the store changes, the ground floor is always beauty central, stocking a wide array of lines both big and small, domestic and imported, including MAC, Kevyn Aucoin, BeneFit, and Mally Beauty; there are also luxe hair accessories and an adjacent gazebo space housing all the handbags. Up the spiral staircase, the mezzanine features a Chanel beauty shop and a stunning installation of vintage and new Chanel sunglasses. On Two, find a L’Artisan perfume boutique, plus jewelry and accessories. The third floor is home to lingerie with notable names such as Princesse Tam Tam, Cosabella and Hanky Panky alongside fashion from Collette Dinnigan and Matthew Williamson. Lalique windows stretch from floors two to four, the latter home to the flagship Frederic Fekkai salon. Bendel’s signature brown-and-white striped dop kits and private label items are also favorites of the eclectic mix of customers streaming in and out of its massive golden doors. — Raven Snook

Key Departments

Lingerie

In the disco era, Henri Bendel was the epicenter of modish New York. These days, the shop stays cool with sexy undergarments from more than 30 vendors, including the Henri Bendel New York private-label collection. Designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, John Galliano, and Cavalli mix with lesser-known names such as I.D. Sarrieri, Little Joe by Gail Elliott, and University (from $40).

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