Planning a spring wedding? The November 1 opening of free consultancy service Fête (419 Park Avenue So., at 29th St., 4th fl.; 212-725-7268) provides timely resources. Co-founders Jung Lee, Josh Brooks, and Elizabeth Allen (who planned Matt Lauer’s and Ben Stiller’s nuptials) do everything from recommending photographers, caterers, and florists to negotiating contracts and coordinating appointments. Fête claims to accommodate most budgets, but if couples can’t afford the high-end vendor list, they can at least walk away with complimentary tips on how to negotiate.
The Wooster Street relocation of Sergio Rossi makes room for Oscar de la Renta’s first American freestanding store on November 1 (772 Madison Ave., near 66th St.; 212-288-8210). No more waiting for trunk shows at Saks and Bergdorf to see the designer’s signature collection: This jazzy 2,000-square-foot boutique has coral stone walls imported from the Dominican Republic, plaster palm trees, and a shoe display set up like a catwalk. There’s also a lounge (with de la Renta furniture, of course), which will hold the eveningwear.
Other noteworthy openings: Brazilian designer Carlos Miele will debut a shop inside Saks Fifth Avenue (611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St., 3rd fl.; 212-940-2086) on November 3 to complement his store in the meatpacking district. His whimsical gowns run from $2,000 to $4,000. Scharffen Berger’s handmade chocolate confections are made fresh daily starting November 1 (473 Amsterdam Ave., near 83rd St.; 212-362-9734). And Matrix Global Academy opens a training space for hairstylists on November 1 (435 Hudson St., near Morton St.). The loft will also house a small retail store full of Matrix’s sought-after hair-care products.