New York City Fashion Week is in full swing, as supermodels, designers, and photographers flood Manhattan in impressive swarms of alarming beauty and style. In the midst of the deep February freeze, NYC’s cafes and hotels are buzzing with the adrenaline of the head-turning fashion elite. Whether it’s your first adventure to the Big Apple, or you’re a returning patron of this epic scene, I've rounded up my favorite places to see and be seen so that you, too, can experience NYC like a true insider. Here’s the guide to doing NYC Fashion Week the right way.
WHERE TO EAT:
The Polo Bar- Although you’ll have to plan months ahead to get a reservation at Ralph Lauren’s New York restaurant, The Polo Bar, this is the place to see the cream of the crop when it comes to spotting megawatt New York A-listers (think Tom Hanks and Woody Allen). Nosh on gourmet style Pigs-in-a-Blanket, butternut squash soup, and the specialty sautéed Dover. Throw back Mad Men-inspired Manhattan cocktails while tucked cozily amidst an antique sporting lounge a-la-Ralph Lauren.
The Bowery Hotel/Gemma-Located on the historic Bowery strip, this hip hotel is a downtown treasure for out of town celebrities. A home away from home for high profile guests like Coldplay, who are known to keep year-round suites, the hotel is adored for its sophisticated yet unassuming charm. Cozy up in the main lobby as you sip on gin and tonics in front of the fire while trying not to stare at Quentin Tarantino. Or, feast on a hearty Italian dinner in the hotel’s candlelit Gemma, where all the pasta dishes are handmade.
Indochine – This sexy and timeless eighties hotspot captures the fading glory of an old New York, while balancing a vibrant French Vietnamese mystique that still provides excellent people-watching. Slip into Saigon of the ’30s, in the midst of Manhattan, as you throwback one of their tasty ginger pineapple martinis. Yum is the word.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Madison Avenue/Fifth Avenue –If you’ve ever imagined parading through NYC with a ridiculous amount of shopping bags amongst sparkling sky scrapers, this is where that fantasy becomes a reality. Home to Louis Vuitton, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Prada, Versace, and all of the most esteemed fashion houses, the exquisite curation of Madison and 5th Avenue stores is the quintessential dream shopping spree. If you’re on a budget, the breathtaking window displays still provide plenty of magic.
The Shops In Soho
For a bit of a wider ranged price point, while still maintaining an impressive array of versatility, head to Soho. Peruse all your favorite name brand stores like Topshop, Zara, and Madewell, all sandwiched amongst higher-end boutiques like Ralph Lauren, Intermix, and Vince. Soho has something for everyone, so prepare to spend your entire afternoon getting lost amongst these trendy cobblestone streets.
The Meatpacking District
Home to beloved New York designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, the Meatpacking District is the trendiest neighborhood you’ll shop your way through. When finished perusing legendary stores like Jeffrey and Alexander McQueen, grab a rooftop cocktail at The Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room, also known for a history of hosting its fair share of celebrities. On your way back uptown, take a sunset stroll amongst the Highline, an above-ground subway line reimagined as an outdoor part.
WHERE TO GET YOUR ART ON:
The Frick – Beyond the traditional big boys, like the Met or the MOMA, one of NYC’s treasures to the art world is the historic Frick Museum. Located on the Upper East Side, this Fifth Avenue historic mansion houses one of the greatest collections of European paintings, sculptures, and rugs. Amongst this impressive collection lies Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s masterpiece, The Progress of Love.\\
The New Museum – A favorite amongst fashion designers, this ultra-hip museum features international emerging artists. As the representative heartbeat of the NYC art scene, the museum is committed to showcasing the work of under-recognized artists and often mounts ambitious exhibits of important figures such as Ana Mendieta, William Kentridge, Paul McCarthy, and Andrea Zittel before they receive widespread public recognition — a true trendsetter.
The Cloisters – In the midst of the hustle and bustle, one of the most romantic city escapes is a short train ride uptown to The Cloisters. NYC can be a relentless beast of excitement and the perfect antidote to all the drama is the balancing harmony of its romantic parks. Stroll amongst the peaceful hills of the The Cloisters while exploring an impressive collection of mysterious medieval artifacts; a true insider’s mini-escape.
No comments:
Post a Comment