Denzel Washington on Broadway, Madonna’s guitars up for auction, more NYC events

Each week, Alexa is rounding up the buzziest fashion awards, hotel openings, restaurant debuts and popular cultural events in NYC. It’s our curated guide to the best things to see, buy, taste and experience around town.

What’s making our luxury list this week? Toteme’s second NYC outpost, Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal share a stage, and Madonna’s guitars hit the auction block.

Uptown minimalists rejoice: Toteme has opened at 69th and Madison, meaning you no longer have to cross zip codes to shop your favorite brand. The truly beloved Swedish-based label was founded in New York City 10 years ago by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman; the duo opened their first SoHo outpost in 2022. Their new boutique, previously designed by Halleroed, spans 1,600 square feet filled with light and “mixes the sleek with the rugged.” The non-sartorial star of the show is a bright red sculptural staircase, with a sculpture by Anders Krisar resting beneath it. The store’s debut was strategically timed to coincide with the brand’s NYFW schedule debut and showcase looks from the Fall 2024 collection, along with jewelry, footwear and leather accessories, including the house’s emblematic T-Lock bag. Totem.com

The Peninsula Hotel, a landmark of New York Hospitality since 1904, recently unveiled refreshed guest rooms, public spaces and a brand new rooftop lounge called Pen Top. All were designed by the late Bill Rooney of Bill Rooney Studio, who was also tapped to refresh the brand’s Chicago property on the Great Mile. Pen Topi is located in what used to be the Salon de Ning, and this new design is allegedly inspired by an artist’s loft. While we’re not seeing this, we are seeing very generous indoor and outdoor spaces with plenty of seating options that offer incredible views of the city from almost every angle. Peninsula.com

Now is the time to view and book tickets for the often sold-out Architecture and Design Film Festival. This year marks its 16th season, which runs September 25-28 at the Village East by Angelika theater and features global premieres that explore the influence of architecture, design and art. Opening night spotlights the world premiere of Stardust: The Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown Story, with director Jim Venturi and critic Martin Filler (The New York Review of Books) in a post-screening discussion. To purchase tickets or explore details about specific films, including the speaker lineup, go to ADFilmFest.com

NYC Downtown: The auction takes place on September 25 at 2:00 p.m., featuring a treasure trove of artifacts associated with the Chelsea Hotel. They include Madonna’s first guitars, her drum kit and early recordings, three original portraits painted by Jean-Michel Basquiat – two posthumously by Andy Warhol and one by the late graffiti artist Keith Haring. Also featured: the original neon signs from the Hotel’s iconic sign (restored and mounted), a sign from the El Quixote restaurant and some original doors to the hotel rooms. There will be a live preview at The Chelsea Hotel on September 22nd and 23rd, but the auction will take place online on September 25th via LiveAuctioneers.com and invaluable.com

Tickets are now on sale for Othello, starring the Tony Award winner and two-time Academy Award winner winner Denzel Washington as Othello and Tony Award nominee and Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago. Previews will begin February 24, opening night is March 23, and the 15-week engagement will be at the Barrymore until June 8. Tony Award winner Kenny Leon directs this special production; Molly Osborne will make her Broadway debut as Desdemona. Fun fact: The Barrymore was the last home of “Othello” almost 90 years ago when a production played “Macbeth” in September and October of 1935. OthelloBway.com