OPENINGS:
In SoHo, Diesel transformed its previous Diesel Denim Gallery into a shop called Diesel Black Gold, which showcases men's and women's clothing lines of the same name. Actor Stephen Dorff, the singer St. Vincent and other boldface names attended a grand opening party for the store Feb. 14, with the store's official opening the next day.
The 2,500-square-foot space at 68 Greene St., between Spring and Broome streets, contains 15-foot ceilings lined in gray velvet and suede-covered clothing displays.
In a statement, interior designer Ryan Korban called his vision for the store design "a reinterpretation of luxury for a modern generation."
A Brazilian shop that specializes in plastic shoes is also new to SoHo. Galleria Melissa opened at 102 Greene St., between Prince and Spring streets, on Feb. 9. The vast, white shop — Melissa's first in the U.S. — displays the brand's whimsical shoes on pedestals.
The store is designed to be "an urban cave … laced with mystery and adventure," according to the company's website.
CLOSINGS:
In NoLita, the restaurant Ellabess abruptly closed on Feb. 14. The seasonal American spot located at 153 Elizabeth St., inside the Nolitan Hotel, received mixed reviews after opening in July.
A new restaurant will open in its place this spring, according to the Nolitan's website. A representative for the hotel did not immediately respond to a request for details.
