Jewelry Designer Briony Raymond Spills On Her Favorite Upper East Side Spots

You'll spot Briony Raymond all over the Upper East Side. Shopping, strolling, sipping - shining on the necks and ears and hands of the neighborhood's most fabulous...

The timeless jeweler, who specializes in bespoke creations and exquisite estate pieces, has long been tied to New York's most posh stretch. In fact it was on Madison Avenue where Rihanna was first spotted wearing one of Raymond's cult favorite Zodiac necklaces - a big moment for the then emerging brand, and the start of a relationship still going strong, the pop star seemingly always dripping in her designs.

Earlier this year Raymond strengthened her roots, moving into her beautiful new Atelier perched high up in the iconic Fuller Building. Custom Marine Toile-patterned Schumacher drapes, gorgeous hand-painted de Gournay chinoiserie wallpaper - the lengthy design period was certainly a labor of love.

"I pinch myself every day that I was fortunate enough to be able to build our flagship Madison Avenue atelier in the greatest city in the world! I am endlessly inspired by our amazing clients and the vibrant energy of New York." 

So, curious to know which Upper East Side spots the fashion favorite hits on repeat?

LE BILBOQUET
20 East 60th Street
Just a few blocks away from the Atelier and the perfect spot to pop in with clients or local UES friends for a delicious meal. Ideal dining hour in my humble opinion? 5:30PM… I love an early bird dinner! I love their Endive Salad and the Branzino (the preparation of which changes seasonally so I rarely get bored with that order).

JAMES PERSE
1128 Madison Avenue
I just started wearing their crisp white T-shirts underneath my mum's vintage Chanel jackets - and now I can't remember life without them. Try the Vintage Little Boy Tee for the chicest fit!

JOHN BARRETT SALON
36 East 57th Street
As a working mom, convenience is key and they’re so close I can literally see into the salon from my office! They’re kind enough to accommodate my 8AM manicure/blowout combo…I’m in and out in under 40 minutes! For a perfect, swingy UES blowout and the most magical head massage of your life, book Rita (and Essi for nails!). 

THE BAR AT MAJORELLE
28 East 63rd Street
The coziest place to unwind after a long day with my favorite caviar and dirty martinis! Weird fact: I prefer my caviar with a mother-of-pearl spoon and lemons… only. Why mess with a good thing?! My go to martini order is: Slightly dirty Belvedere martini with green olives, no vermouth, extra cold. YUM. Majorelle is also where we host our holiday party each year - their super chic club room is the perfect private room in which to host an intimate dinner party that has a fun vibe yet remains elegant (and one can still hear one’s dining companions… yes I’m old!). 

HERMÈS
706 Madison Avenue
I love the beautiful architecture of the new boutique, and all the bright colors in which one is enveloped upon entering the space just make me happy! My mum started my Hermès scarf addiction during a trip to Paris when I was 14 and I’ve been hustling hard to build my collection ever since… there’s nothing like an Hermès addiction to motivate a gal to work hard (yes, I’m joking… sort of!). All kidding aside, I find even the most banal work ensembles can be brought to life with a fabulous silk scarf, and great jewelry of course!

LORO PIANA
748 Madison Avenue
The yummiest winter coats that last forever!

THE MARK HOTEL
25 East 77th Street
My favorite place for a staycation and for the annual Met Gala Prep - our team is usually camped out in the lobby accommodating the last minute needs of all of clients… it’s simultaneously by far both one of the most stressful and the most fun evenings of the year! The Mark also happens to have the best kale salad in the city!

MANOLO BLAHNIK
717 Madison Avenue
Their flagship atelier reminds me of my own - a little jewel box, but filled with the comfiest stilettos (if one can say such a thing) instead of diamonds!

CAROLINA HERRERA
954 Madison Avenue
My go-to when it comes to elegant attire. I recently wore one of their frocks on a visit to the Smithsonian with the First Lady and always turn to CH when I want to feel polished and tailored and still feminine and fun!

[Photos courtesy Briony Raymond, Le Bilboquet, Manolo Blahnik]