Luxury shopping and dining is a big part of American Dream in East Rutherford and today, the mega-complex celebrated the grand opening of The Avenue, a series of luxury shops with two-story storefronts that make you feel like you’re on New York City’s Fifth Avenue. The shops are surrounded by vibrant art, modern sitting areas and beautiful sculpture gardens designed by iconic designer and New Jersey native Jonathan Adler.
We got a first look at the gorgeous space on a tour with Adler and Ken Downing, American Dream’s Creative Officer. “Jonathan is a very good friend of American Dream….not only a great friend but an amazing design talent,” Downing said during the tour, highlighting the areas within American Dream designed by Adler which include the ski lodge within Big Snow, the VIP skybox cabanas in the DreamWorks Water Park and the “sitting salons” and communal areas at The Avenue’s shopping area.
The Avenue features Saks Fifth Avenue – the only New Jersey location of the luxury retailer, Carpaccio – the first Northeast location of the Bal Harbour favorite fine dining establishment, and other renowned brands including Hermès, Dolce&Gabbana, Mulberry, Johnny Was, Gucci at Saks, and Louis Vuitton at Saks.
Shoppers can lounge in modern sitting areas surrounded by sculpture gardens, all designed by Adler, who grew up in the small South Jersey farm town of Bridgeton. “My dream would have been making it Cherry Hill,” he joked during the tour. “That was as broad as my dreams were as a kid but now I’m really living my American Dream here at the American Dream. I can’t believe this place. It’s so bonkers and visionary. Ken and the team have conjured a truly global experience the likes of which I’ve never seen.”
Here’s what you’ll find inside the 300,000-square-foot luxury shopping and dining wing:
Saks Fifth Avenue: The 110,000-square-foot, two-level luxury shop is known for its personalized customer service, including Saks’ personal styling and shopping offering, the Fifth Avenue Club, customized skin and beauty consultations and same-day delivery.
Carpaccio: Carpaccio at American Dream offers a classic yet modern approach to Italian cuisine with a nod to the renowned Bal Harbour restaurant. The restaurant features a contemporary dining area that seats more than 100, a bar area and an indoor dining patio.
Other iconic shops include Dolce&Gabbana, Hermès, Johnny Was and Mulberry. Shops slated to open in the near future include Alexander Wang, Anne Fontaine, Brüt –a champagne bar, Gentle Monster, Jonathan Adler, Zadig & Voltaire and more.
“There are few moments that make me as proud as unveiling The Avenue at American Dream,” said Don Ghermezian, CEO of American Dream. “The addition of luxury shopping from the most sought-after fashion brands to our world-class attractions and contemporary retail has solidified American Dream as a destination not seen anywhere else.”
The Avenue is also showcasing a limited-run exhibit called INTERSECTION: art meets fashion which features collections by American designers available at Saks Fifth Avenue as well as art by American artists. The exhibit is open now through October 1st.