Crimson Card-wearing "rappers" take us into their secret society

European luxury brand Mode Creation Munich is finally making its way stateside, and they're classing it up big time with a new 400-square-foot boutique in New York's most celebrated hotel. MCM at The Plaza opened early this month in the Plaza Retail Collection on Central Park. The store’s clean, modern aesthetic was designed by Sam O’Donahue and Felix de Voss of Established NYC Architects. The two filled the space with sleek, black displays suited to MCM's luxe leather goods. LV be wary, for you're no longer the only acronym in town.

Solange Azagury-Partridge, Londoner and self-proclaimed control freak, taught herself about jewelry design and turned a mere hobby into a luxury brand. Over the last 20 years, she’s created some of the most innovative and sought-after jewelry, with clients like Victoria Beckham stopping by her Notting Hill boutique. She talks to BlackBook about the opening of her New York store, why you should buy diamonds when you can't pay your mortgage, and designing her own engagement ring.