NYSD: Miracle on Madison

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, on Saturday, December 2nd, when Miracle on Madison Avenue is in full swing with a festive day of shopping in support of pediatric initiatives of The Society Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The event raises funds to fight childhood cancer, with participating boutiques and galleries donating 20% of purchases to MSK Kids to bring real miracles to children and families facing pediatric cancer. With over 60 businesses along Mad Ave participating, there’s no better way to shop & give back this holiday season.

Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, Muffie & Bracie Aston shopping Ralph Lauren

To preview this year’s Miracle on Madison Avenue, we first stopped by Ralph Lauren to grab a coffee at Ralph’s to energize our stroll. There we met Muffie Potter Aston, current President of The Society, and her brilliant daughter Bracie Aston. They were having a merry time shopping.

Follow our route and we guarantee you will come home laden with goodies for every (worthy) friend, family member and loving pet on your list. Tartan is a crowd pleasers for the holidays and no one captures the spirit like the iconic Ralph Lauren.

gift guide Christmas 2023 — 1. Fleece-Lined Dog Barn Jacket $125 2. Single-Wick Bedford Candle in Gift Box $60 3. Ellery Cocktail Picks $275 4. Fair Isle Cotton-Blend Earflap Hat $41 5. Westover Playing Card Gift Set $395 6. Warren Dice Cup Gift Set $395 7. Stirrup Andie Pilot Sunglasses $210 8. Alexander Salad Plate Set $150 9. Polo ID Velvet Mini Shoulder Bag $498 10. Buffalo Check Stretch Ponte Dress $52

If you can’t make it in person to visit these generous and gracious boutiques (remember they will be donating 20% of their Saturday sales to Memorial Sloan Kettering!), please call and place your order over the phone or email the store (consult the complete list below) and the same donation will apply. Another idea is to buy a Gift Certificate to give or use at a later date.

Stores participating in Miracle on Madison Avenue

Hilary plans to fill up her own set of stockings. “Miracle on Madison is one of my favorite days. The holiday spirit is definitely in the air as you stroll down the Avenue. There is good cheer in each store and many a happy shopper will be buying something for a loved one — supporting MSK Kids in the process. It is truly a win-win. I shopped at some of our new stores and some old favorites for items on my list. Newcomer Anine Bing has chic finds, like these knee high boots and sunglasses. The studded belt from Kirna Zabete is also perfect for a fashionista in your life. Cozy cashmere sweaters and gloves are always a hit. And, of course, any girl would love a little bling from De Beers under the tree.”

As we made our way down the Avenue finding all of our favorite shops aglow and abuzz with holiday spirit, we’re happy to report there were tons, yes tons, of shoppers! We popped into DeBeers, a particular generous supporter of The Society, and came face to face with a stunning 20.4 Carat Diamond Ring. We were blinded by its brilliance!

De Beers Diamonds for Miracle on Madison Avenue 2023 — If you are familiar with the four Cs of gemstone valuation, you could say this was an A+++++++!

Boutique owners, like Karen Murray, seem genuinely happy to be playing a part: “Fivestory is thrilled to participate and support the Miracle on Madison this year. We are now in a new location at 1044 Madison, between 79th and 80th, and our doors will open from 11 to 6!! We look forward to welcoming all of our customers, clients and friends to support this worthwhile cause.”

For my What to Wear moment, I opted for winter white from Fivestory which looks so fresh this season, especially when paired with the chicest black accessories. And I couldn’t not resist a virtual pop into Vhernier to accessorize with superb style.

Gift Guide for Christmas 2023 — Favorite Daughter White Boucle The City Coat $595.00 / Proenza Schouler Rib Knit Turtleneck Midi Dress $990.00 / Saved NY & Company Ivory Jersey Cap $185.00 / Five Story Black Rectangular Sunglasses $485.00 / Calla Pendant Pendant in 18K rose gold $5,050 / Abbraccio Midi Earclip Earclips in 18K rose gold $7,900 / Mansur Gavriel Mini M Frame Bag in Black $695.00 / Jimmy Choo Maryanne 65mm Leather Slingbacks $795.00 / Veronica Beard Dali Platform Tall Boot $695

And since the great day is all about children, and having two adored granddaughters, I shopped Tanya Taylor to find a collection of Mommy & Me. Pick a pair of updated florals, festive brocade or au courant vegan leather.

MSK Kids is the largest pediatric program in the country, with a specialized approach and personalized treatment plans available to children of all ages. Each dollar donated empowers their mission to be at the forefront of both basic and clinical Cancer research, all while providing a warm and vibrant community for children and their families during their treatment.

While shopping to your heart’s content, make sure to say hi to the MSK Caring Canines Therapy Dog Team at the Hospitality Tent in front of Frick Madison, 945 Madison Avenue.