Dior Spa
Courtesy of Jonathan Taylor

Dior just opened its first permanent spa in the US atop the Maison’s newly renovated New York City flagship. But don’t let the storybook fashion setting fool you — the treatments here are decidedly not the stuff of fluff.

Let’s start at the beginning. When the invitation came to road test a service, of course I jumped at the chance. Now, as a beauty editor who tests products and treatments for a living, I’ve been subject to the ministrations of estheticians far and wide; I’ve been cleansed and steamed and creamed to perfection. In fact, I’ve visited Dior spas in Paris and Antibes, in the South of France. But nothing prepared me for my start-to-finish experience at the Dior Spa New York.

Inside the House of Dior

Dior
Courtesy of Gwen Flamberg

I hit the tony boutique during its soft opening, on the eve of New York Fashion Week. A handsome gentleman (clad in a sleek Dior suit, no doubt) escorted me through the doors of the mega-boutique located on the corner of 57th street and Madison Avenue. The space, designed by architect Peter Marino to have the feel of a residence, is like a luxury playground for fashion enthusiasts. Past the fine jewelry and Lady Dior handbags, I wound my way up a grand spiral staircase around the “Colorama” wall, a rainbow of miniature replicas of pieces synonymous with the brand — think wasp-waisted gowns, saddle bags and wide-brimmed hats. Up, up, up I went to the top floor, where one enters the spa.

As soon as I entered the spa, I immediately sensed a soothing aroma, which I later learned just happens to be a fragrance custom created for the space by perfume creation director Francis Kurkdjian. Speaking of scent, a cornucopia of the brands fragrances, as well as makeup and skincare, are on display for discovery amidst the minimalist decor. I sank into a chic beige sofa and sipped a pre-treatment “wellness elixir” whilst tapping my medical history, treatment preferences and desires into an iPod, meant to customize my experience to the nth.

High-Tech Treatments

My lovely facialist guided me to one of four luxurious treatment rooms, each with its own well-stocked changing room, including the fluffiest — and chicest — Dior slippers for me to take home. After tucking into high thread count sheets, I was double-cleansed, exfoliated and dry brushed before my pro engaged in some serious facial massage, the focus of the Kobi-Dior facial, a technique inspired by Japanese Kobido. The deep, manual facial massage is meant to lift, firm, plump and contour the complexion. Once snatched, a hydrating masque was applied and my hands placed in LED light gloves for some brightening.

Dior Spa
Courtesy of Jonathan Taylor

It’s obvious that this is no ordinary spa. An emphasis on high-tech, cutting edge science and technology are key here, blended with a tailoring of treatments to meet every desire and offer real results. Patrons can even get a facial with celebrity skin expert Sarah Akram (Mindy Kaling, Quinta Brunson and Angela Bassett owe their glow to her) for a cool $1,300. Dubbed the Haute Couture Treatment for the face, it includes diagnostic skin measurements and a bespoke protocol including cold laser, micro-current, oxygen therapy and more.

As for body treatments on offer, the famed French fashion house’s codes can be seen in the cleverly named New Look lymphatic drainage massage, which aims to whittle the waist a lá Monsieur Dior’s nipped in designs emphasizing the feminine hourglass shape.

An Experience to Remember

After my treatment I took a moment to relax and reflect in the spa sitting room over an herbal tea and cookie in the shape of a Dior bar jacket. I left seriously sculpted and glowing, my cheekbones and jawline sharper than ever with a crystal clear glasslike sheen that lasted through a bustling fashion week and beyond.

The takeaway: House of Dior at 57th street and Madison Avenue is worth a peruse. Come for the coveted accessories and Instagram moment at the Colorama wall, but stay for the serious beauty rejuvenation at the spa.