Frederick Bigler knows Fifth Avenue shopping inside out. A recent outing landed him two Burberry shirts, an Armani jacket and a pair of Ferragamo shoes.
If the thought of shopping in New York City feels intimidating, relax. As chief concierge at The Peninsula New York, Bigler helps guests navigate the city’s high-end retail scene so they can shop with confidence.
“Shopping on Fifth Avenue should be fearless, friendly and relaxing — a kind of ‘veni, vidi, vici’ for the wardrobe,” Bigler says. That said, success in the city benefits from a little planning. “If you don’t plan — call or email the concierge — it’s easy to lose focus. New York is like a giant candy store for anyone eager to explore what it offers.”
To help visitors get the most from their time in each destination, The Peninsula concierges partnered with LUXE City Guides to develop PenCities, an exclusive online luxury lifestyle journal covering the nine cities with Peninsula hotels. These guides highlight fine dining, entertainment, shopping, design, nightlife and spa and wellness offerings, providing insider perspective for travelers.
“In the New York edition, you’ll find updates on hot new restaurants and museum exhibits as well as lesser-known gems, like a luxury vintage shop downtown,” Bigler explains.
Bigler also shares practical tips for a successful shopping day. He recommends hiring a personal shopper and a chauffeur. “There’s nothing better than calling your driver to pick up your purchases while you walk to the next stop on Fifth Avenue,” he says. “That’s real luxury.”
Another useful tip: bring a few pairs of shoes. What you wear while trying on garments can affect how items hang and fit, and different shoes help achieve better tailoring. To get started, Bigler suggests a few essential stops along the avenue.
Begin at the sleek, glass-front Louis Vuitton flagship at One East 57th Street. Select supple travel pieces that will stand out even in first class, and don’t overlook wardrobe staples and accessories — including watches and wedding rings — that can become signature pieces.
“Creative director Marc Jacobs has been brilliant, and his collaboration with Yayoi Kusama produced an eye-catching, polka-dotted collection,” Bigler notes.
Nearby, Saks Fifth Avenue at 611 Fifth Avenue houses dozens of luxury designers. Here you can explore names from Alexander McQueen — a favorite of the Duchess of Cambridge — to American designer Tory Burch.
Pause for a light meal at Café SFA and enjoy views of Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Bigler advises keeping meals light during fittings: “Eat salads or lighter fare for fittings, sip Champagne for leisure, and finish with an espresso for a boost of energy.”
From Saks, continue to Bergdorf Goodman at 754 Fifth Avenue. This distinctive department store showcases European and designer collections and is worth a visit for its couture previews of upcoming seasons. If you want guidance, Bergdorf Goodman’s Personal Shopping Salon offers complimentary appointments to enhance the experience.
A new wardrobe can inspire a fresh hairstyle. Schedule a visit to the Ponytail Bar at the John Barrett Salon for a polished update. In 30 minutes or less, stylists can transform your look — from sleek and smooth to tousled, braided or twisted — while you take in sweeping city views from the penthouse atop Bergdorf Goodman.