Few things compare to fall in New York, especially on the Upper East Side with the leaves changing color in Central Park, the last few days of being able to dine al fresco, the event calendar in full swing, and the final weekends before shops get too hectic for the holiday season.
For that reason, I was excited to be asked to participate as Guest Editor of this issue of Whitewaller. When I started Fivestory, after my beginnings in the art world, I wanted to create a space with a singular vision unique to anything else in New York—somewhere that combines everything from the classic to the contemporary. I’ve always traveled, taking in museums, different city streets, landscapes, and experiences. I began collecting objects from a young age. Fivestory is a treasure trove of the world’s finest items— from fashion to art, and from jewelry and accessories to home décor. The name Fivestory references both our building on East 69th Street, and my belief that every object has a story that deserves to be told.
Courtesy of The Row
As a native New Yorker, it is fun to share with you my slice of New York, and my favorite haunts on and around Madison Avenue. Creel and Gow on East 70th Street feels like a cabinet of curiosities, chock-full of fascinating objects like rare minerals, taxidermy, exotic décor, discerning tabletop items, and other wunderkammer. For a cut and color appointment, look no further than the absolute masters at Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger on East 71st Street—you’ll feel utterly pampered in this 1970s Parisian-style salon. Also on East 71st is The Row, whose minimalist approach to ready-to- wear and accessories is perfectly reflected in the shop’s serene setting.
New York is full of gems like these. You just need to know where to wander!
Courtesy of Fivestory
—Claire Distenfeld, Founder of Fivestory
Courtesy of Creel and Gow
FIVESTORY
The Fivestory space is gorgeous, highly curated, and well thought-out. The townhouse setting on East 69th Street plays home to ready-to-wear apparel, accessories, and décor, all hand-picked by founder Claire Distenfeld, whose taste we—as well as her devoted following—considered unrivaled.
Whitewaller recommends: Make sure to view the selection of statement jewelry.
CREEL AND GOW
Creel and Gow is a globally-sourced trove of treasures all found under one roof. With natural, oceanic, and mineral-based décor, the store also features jewelry, photographs, fabrics, antiques, and more from a variety of countries.
Whitewaller recommends: Elect for an original online wedding registry.
THE ROW
Located on 17 East 71st Street, The Row offers something unique—a well-curated selection of high-end apparel and accessories by designers and founders, Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. The store is complemented by art and furniture pieces by the likes of Jacques Grange, Carlo Bugatti, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Whitewaller recommends: Peruse the third floor’s home objects.
SHARON DORRAM COLOR
Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger on 71st Street is a gem on the Upper East Side. With modern interiors and a relaxing sense of space, the attentive staff wonderfully complements the care and creativity of its stylists.
Whitewaller recommends: The full treatment—cut, color, and style.
