Bridget Foley’s Diary: Suite 1521

Shop from the comfort of your own home. Or on the go, phone in hand. Search, browse, click; front-door delivery tomorrow. It’s the modern way. But is it always the best way? Two women who know a thing or two about soothing the fashion-acquisition beast would argue no. They’re about to do something about it.

Kim Kassel and Lizzie Tisch, longtime friends, longer-time fashion junkies and new business partners, want to renew the personal shopping experience. Not personal as in we’re-tracking-your-online-searches personal, but as in come in, talk, browse (the old way), meet designers, try on and, most importantly, discover personal. They’re about to launch Suite 1521, a shopping concept set to open in a graceful 4,000-square-foot former gallery space at 980 Madison Avenue. The concept is part trunk show, part in-person flash sale, presented with an aura of exclusivity — members only, with annual dues of $500.