Carolina Herrera Expands Lease to 34K SF at 501 Seventh Ave
Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., has announced a major leasing milestone with the renewal and expansion of Carolina Herrera, Ltd.’s lease at 501 Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The luxury fashion house, a cornerstone of New York’s prestigious fashion industry and a subsidiary of global fragrance and fashion powerhouse Puig Brands, has signed on for a total of 34,000 square feet.
The lease agreement represents both a renewal of Carolina Herrera’s longstanding presence in the building and a significant expansion, reaffirming the brand’s deep-rooted commitment to New York City’s Fashion District. This move not only secures the company’s future in one of the city’s most iconic commercial corridors but also strengthens its footprint in an area long regarded as the heart of the American fashion industry.
Fashion Icon Strengthens Its Roots in NYC
Founded by Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera in 1981, the eponymous fashion house has become a global symbol of elegance, sophistication, and innovation. Over the decades, the brand has been instrumental in shaping the city’s fashion landscape, and its continued presence in Manhattan is both symbolic and strategic.
“Carolina Herrera remains deeply committed to the New York Fashion District and continues to play a vital role in the fashion ecosystem that the neighborhood nurtures,” said Emilie Rubinfeld, President at Carolina Herrera. “Through our partnership with ESRT, we have reinforced our brand legacy, and we are proud to call Seventh Avenue our home, both now and in the future.”
Known as “Fashion Avenue,” Seventh Avenue has long been the commercial heartbeat of the American garment and fashion industries. Maintaining a flagship office in this location underscores Carolina Herrera’s stature within the industry and serves as a testament to the district’s ongoing relevance, even as work models and commercial trends continue to evolve.
A Modern Hub for Business and Lifestyle
501 Seventh Avenue stands as a prime example of how legacy office buildings can be revitalized to meet modern workplace demands. Owned and operated by ESRT, the 18-story office tower is strategically positioned between 37th and 38th Streets, just steps from Penn Station, Madison Square Garden, and numerous dining and hospitality options. Its location ensures exceptional accessibility, especially for employees commuting from the outer boroughs or surrounding metro areas.
The building has been modernized with a range of tenant-focused amenities that cater to the evolving expectations of the city’s business community. These include newly renovated side-core floor plates designed for maximum efficiency, contemporary building systems, and a rooftop lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating that offers sweeping views of Manhattan. The lounge provides an ideal space for informal meetings, team building, or a midday break in a more relaxed setting.
As part of ESRT’s Broadway Campus, tenants of 501 Seventh Avenue also gain access to shared amenities across sister properties, including a large-scale Town Hall conference center at 1400 Broadway and an additional rooftop lounge set to debut later this year at 1333 Broadway. This network of shared facilities is a key differentiator in ESRT’s portfolio, offering flexibility and enhanced tenant experience in a highly competitive market.
In addition to work-focused spaces, the building offers a rich mix of in-building retailers that contribute to tenant convenience and lifestyle. Retail tenants include well-known food and fitness brands such as Chipotle, Le Café, Club Pilates, A Cut Above, and Chop & Go, providing everyday essentials without having to leave the premises.
A Partnership Built on Service and Strength
Empire State Realty Trust has earned a reputation as a landlord of choice in New York City, owing to its commitment to operational excellence, financial strength, and tenant-centric philosophy.
“ESRT stands out above the rest with its unparalleled service reputation, best-in-class balance sheet, prime locations, and modern amenities,” said Thomas P. Durels, Executive Vice President, Real Estate at ESRT. “Carolina Herrera, Ltd. joins the list of more than 299 expansions within our top tier portfolio.”
Indeed, ESRT has continued to secure commitments from prestigious tenants across various industries—from fashion and media to finance and tech—demonstrating the value of its strategic investments in building modernization and amenity-rich environments. The Carolina Herrera lease is another signal of confidence in the ESRT portfolio and in Midtown Manhattan’s resilience and ongoing transformation.
Collaborative Deal Making
The leasing process for Carolina Herrera’s renewed and expanded presence was a collaborative effort between top real estate professionals representing both the tenant and the landlord. Carolina Herrera, Ltd. was represented by Matthew McBride and Cara Chayet of CBRE, a global leader in commercial real estate services. Their expertise ensured the company’s needs for space, location, and operational flexibility were met.
On the ownership side, the leasing team for ESRT included Jordan Berger, Shanae Ursini, and Kerry Lavelle. Additionally, the property owner was represented by Ron Lo Russo and Harley Dalton of Cushman & Wakefield, underscoring the level of coordination and strategy involved in finalizing the agreement.
The deal illustrates how forward-thinking owners and tenants can collaborate to achieve long-term success, especially in a dynamic and competitive market like New York.
