Coming Soon: Domenico Vacca’s Massive, Impressive Lifestyle Complex

by Christopher Blomquist
Domenico Vacca
Domenico Vacca

Domenico Vacca will soon be offering customers an even sweeter la dolce vita.

The luxury Italian designer announced today that he will be opening a so-called “branded luxury lifestyle destination” called The Domenico Vacca on 15 West 55th Street near Fifth Ave in New York sometime in mid-September. The 12-story space, which will have undergone a $20 million renovation when it opens, will house the designer’s new 8,000-sq.-foot retail flagship along with a café, barber shop, beauty parlor, a members-only club and luxury residences for long-term visitors.

“I have always wanted to express my creativity and sense of style in other lifestyle concepts,” the designer said in a statement. “This building is a mecca of extravagance and comfort, each aspect and detail a labor of love.  For the new retail space, I wanted to create a place that is not just a storefront, but a destination that draws people in to connect, shop, and relax, reviving the in-store shopping experience.”

The new store will be on two floors and stock the label’s men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, handbag, watch, fragrance, eyewear, shoes and tableware collections. There will also be a bespoke area for custom and special order items. The store will also feature the DV Café, a typical Italian-style coffee bar that will serve espresso, cappuccino, food and aperitivos, on its first floor and a barber shop and adjacent beauty salon on its second level.

The second floor will also be home to the DV Club, a private, members-only club that will offer fee-paying members a complimentary open bar, light food, live music and DJ sets. In addition to the club’s  2,500-sq.-foot indoor area and 1,500-sq.-foot terrace, members will be able to access the building’s 4,000-sq.-foot rooftop via private elevator.

Rendering of the The DV's exterior
Rendering of The DV’s exterior

“I am a member of several clubs around the world and have been in many where I was unhappy with the lack of customer service and the overselling of tables,” added Vacca.  “I wanted a social club where the staff knows not only every member by name, but their choices in drinks, food and their social habits so they can anticipate their every need. I want the DV Club to be a place where members feel as if they are in my home, where my clients and friends can relax, network and meet other members and their guests.”

Thirty long-term stay residences decorated by the designer will occupy the complex’s upper floors.

Domenico Vacca opened his first retail boutique on Fifth Ave in 2002. At present he also has boutiques in Beverly Hills, Miami, Milan, Mayakoba (Mexico) and Doha (Qatar).