C’est Magnifique relocated to East Ninth Street from Macdougal Street back in March 2012.
Unfortunately, after a combined 56 years in both locations, the family-owned custom jewelry shop, whose clients through the years have included Iggy Pop and Madonna, is closing for good after the business day tomorrow.
Proprietor Alfred Albrizio III shared this on the store's Facebook page:
Sadly, after 56 years, the time has come for us to close C'est Magnifique. Saturday August 23, 2014 is the last day the store will be open and my aunts, Cathie and I would like to invite all of or friends and customers to come say goodbye to C'est Magnifique.
I have met so many amazing, talented and inspiring people during the last 20 years I've been working at C'est Magnifique. Many of those relationships shaped the person and artist I am today. I am very grateful for all the love and support our loyal customers have given and will always have the fondest memories of C'est Magnifique.
I learned so much from working with my father, and I plan to continue utilizing those skills and making jewelry. Although the physical space of C'est Magnifique will be gone, my family's legacy will live on. I am devoted to my craft and customers. I'll still be doing custom work and selling my original designs from my website which should be ready soon. Please keep your eye out for an update regarding the launch of my website.
I look forward to seeing you all at the closing. We will be there from 1 pm - 7 pm.
Family member Thomas Paladino elaborated at Vanishing New York today (a rent hike chased the store from the West Village):
Unfortunately, the new location was not as lucrative as our previous one, and combined with a death in the family of my uncle (who was the main proprietor of the shop for the last thirty years), the store will have to close its doors.
The shop is located at 328 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue.
Quel dommage.
ReplyDeleteOh well.
ReplyDeleteNo surprise - they were small, quirky, local, historic, and friendly; can't have that in the new shiny New York that is being installed in place of gritty old Noo Yawk.
ReplyDeleteDiscovered the original shop when I was working around the corner from MacDougal St and wandered in on a break one day. It was small, old, cool and had AMAZING silver. A bit much for my pocket at the time but had a repair or two done to support them. After they moved I would pop in to say hello and check out the pieces. I finally had to stretch my budget when I found out that they were going to close. Alfred is such a gentleman and artist/silversmith - I truly wish you the very best with your new business. As I have said before, I cherish the skull ring and the history it has from your family's business. Best wishes and we will see each other in the future for more purchases. Much respect, Alfred III
ReplyDeleteC'est Magnifique has been legendary; my dentist has remarked to me about a pair of wisdom-tooth earrings that hung in the window of the MacDougal street store. I remember first seeing the glass-eye rings many years ago in that store, and several years later, when I lost a crown from one of my molars, I had Al make a ring out of it for me.
ReplyDeleteTheir entire team has been so wonderful over the years, I'm going to miss them a lot. When I first saw that they were moving to this block of East 9th street, I thought it was a dream come true. Alas, my jewelry budget has shrunk over the years and I wasn't able to buy all the stuff I craved there.
I recommend that anybody who's interested follow them on Instagram; that's where I first heard about the closing and tomorrow's party.
Another great, local & totally unique venture goes under. Truly sad and leaves a void that will not be filled. I for one do not welcome our new Fro-Yo overlords. Truly sorry for the great folks who just lost their jobs.
ReplyDeleteHaving a web site would have helped.
ReplyDeleteThis place was real expensive. People about a place with 20 burgers but not this? Makes no sense.
ReplyDeletegot my ears pierced there in 1986, the guy used a needle and alcohol. wouldn't have gone anywhere else! RIP!
ReplyDelete