Retailer to open Carlton House flagship.

The leasing team of Faith Hope Consolo, Vice Chairman, and Joseph A. Aquino, Managing Director, of Garrick-Aug Worldwide, Ltd. has arranged the leasing of 680 Madison Avenue, at the northwest corner of 61st Street and directly opposite Barneys.

Luxury accessories retailer-to-the-stars Judith Leiber has leased the space for her flagship boutique, which is slated to open this Fall.

Formerly Le Bistro De Maxims, a posh eatery once owned by Pierre Cardin, the 10-year lease is for 5,000 square feet of ground floor space at the incredibly elegant, Old World-style Carlton House.

The Garrick-Aug team, which just last year brought Creed, Leggiadro and Aaron Basha to the north side of 680 Madison Avenue, exclusively represented both the tenant and the landlord in the transaction.

According to Mr. Aquino, "Judith Leiber chose this location for its flagship because it features 100 feet of street frontage and a gorgeous limestone facade, which was replicated at Barneys to evoke the same ambiance and sense of history.

The retailer was also attracted to the space's 10 large windows, which she plans to use as vignettes to showcase her famous bejeweled bags and accessories.

In addition, Judith Leiber will inherit the building's grand Palm Beach-esque canopy, which extends to the street and has long been the symbol of the Carlton House. This is truly an incredible location befitting of the designer's opulent collection."

"For more than 40 years, Judith Leiber handbags have been the epitome of style, elegance and glamour," says Ms. Consolo.

"Her bags have been worn by some of Hollywood's biggest celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Debra Messing, Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, just to name a few. This new boutique will showcase the company's signature collection of flawlessly-designed, hand-crafted evening bags, as well as its expanded line of luxury accessories, including day bags, footwear for day and evening, eyewear, small leather goods and a new collection of gifts and jewelry."

Mr. Aquino continues, "Situated in the heart of Madison Avenue's 'Golden Mile,' this outstanding flagship location will cater to the brand's discerning customers who appreciate Mrs. Leiber's sophisticated, feminine and innovative designs. Plus, the boutique will be in great company, with a 'Who's Who' of luxury retailers nearby."

In addition to Barneys, Judith Leiber will count Hermes, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Celine, Luca Luca, Cole Haan, Steuben, Ann Taylor, John Lobb, Christofle, Sherry Lehmann, Lalique and Church's among its neighbors.

Currently, Judith Leiber boutiques are located in New York, Atlanta, Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. The Collections are also available at fine department stores nationwide, including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and Harrods of London.

In addition to opening a new flagship in New York, Judith Leiber plans to expand into other key worldwide markets within the next two years as part of a strategy to increase and enhance brand awareness.

The company has launched a multi-year partnership for international wholesale and retail distribution with the Florida-based Falic Group to expand into Central and South America.

This partnership debuts with the opening of a free-standing Judith Leiber store in Panama City, Panama, scheduled for Spring 2004.

Founded a quarter of a century ago, Manhattan-based Garrick-Aug Associates is the nation's largest brokerage specializing exclusively in retail leasing today. Operating throughout the U.S. and abroad, the company has been instrumental in brokering many of the most trend-setting retail leases in the metropolitan New York area.

Ms. Consolo started the Garrick-Aug Worldwide division in 1987.