Italy is flying coach to Soho.
Piero Guidi, “the Italian answer to Coach,” as Prudential (PRU) Douglas Elliman retail queen Faith Hope Consolo said, is coming to 430 West Broadway. The pursemaker will open next-door to Dolce & Gabbana in a 3,600-square-foot space between Prince and Spring streets.
“It’s really like Italian row,” Ms. Consolo said. “It’s European row, but there are a lot of Italians.” Also in the posh enclave are Missoni, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Avitto and Braccialini.
“He could have afforded to go anywhere,” she said, including more conventional upscale strips on Madison and Fifth avenues. “He only wanted to be in Soho,” she said, which feels more like Europe with lovely cafes and chances for strolling (when one, of course, is not being elbowed by Italian tourists). The designer’s wares are in 800 stores already, but this will be his first U.S. location. Mr. Guidi signed the lease last week and plans to open in the spring.
The previous tenant was Spanish shoe store Jamie Mascaro, which Ms. Consolo brought to the area a number of years ago. She and Joseph Aquino of Prudential Douglas Elliman’s retail group represented both the landlord and the tenant. The asking and taking rent was $350 a square foot, and “it was worth it,” Ms. Consolo said.
“The designer has beautiful stuff,” she said. “They’re known for their handbags,” but they’ve branched out into stylish coats and accessories. Apparently the brothers Guidi are quite lovely to look at themselves.
lkusisto@observer.om
