Fashion Week, the month-long style extravaganza, kicked off in New York this month. A sartorial marathon for the industries elite, stylists, models, buyers, wishful thinkers and more flock to the world’s fashion capitals to get a first look at the next season’s hottest collections and upcoming trends.
If you happen to find yourself in New York at the moment, don’t look like a tourist. Here’s everything you need to know to blend right in like a local.
Where to Eat
Much like Hong Kong, New York is a food-centric (and drink-obsessed) city, with new bars and restaurants opening every day. Unlike our fair Fragrant Harbour, however, the need for constant ‘newness’ hasn’t crept its way into the city’s psyche. It’s all about the vibe, the crowd, and the quality here, so spots at old favourites are just as coveted as the hot new places. If you find yourself hankering for some old-world elegance, head to The Polo Bar by Ralph Lauren, an equestrian themed, leather-clad, celebrity magnet; if you can get past the reservations list, you’re sure to see some of the town’s biggest names. La Esquina, an unassuming diner, is actually one of the city’s favourite spots for tacos, and ultra cool Mexican fare in SoHo. You’ll probably walk right by it, but when you do find it – it’s definitely worth the wait. For a drink with a view, the newly opened 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is the place to go for that must-have #NYC #Skyline snap. Bring your swimsuit, the rooftop pool is open until 6pm on weekends, so you can lounge beside the models while you take in the cityscape.
The Polo Bar, 1 E 55th Street, New York City
www.ralphlauren.com
La Esquina, 114 Kenmore Street, New York City
www.esquinanyc.com
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn
www.1hotels.com
Where to Sleep
Nobody every looks back on life and thinks, ‘Wow, I’m so glad I got my full eight-hours sleep!’, but when it comes to the Fashion Week circuit, a fabulous rest really can make all the difference. Your perfectly coiffed hair deserves more than just any pillow, it deserves the best – that’s why you need to book into one of these luxe hotels. The Beekman Hotel is perfect for those who love a touch of glamour, its nine-storey Victorian atrium never disappoints. Rub elbows with Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Gramercy Park Hotel, this opulent oasis is the brain child of Ian Schrager and Julian Schnabel, and is so lavish Louis XIV himself would have approved. If you like your night-cap to come with an after-party, The Bowery Hotel is for you, there’s always something (and someone) fabulous happening at the bar.
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel, 123 Nassau Street, New York City
www.themeekman.com
Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue, New York City
www.gramercyparkhotel.com
The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery, New York City
www.theboweryhotel.com
Where to Shop
If you come back from New York empty handed, did you even go? The city has some of the world’s best vintage shops, that are a must-visit on any trip. Do as Iggy Pop does and head to Metropolis Vintage for retro t-shirts, leather jackets and some serious 90s swag. If you want something more high-end, book the appointment-only showroom upstairs at New York Vintage and rent something stunning for the night. If it’s accessories you’re after, jump on the A-train and head to Brooklyn this weekend to check out Artists & Fleas for a taste of true New York.
Metropolis Vintage, 43 3rd Avenue, New York City
www.metropolisvintageonline.com
New York Vintage, 117 W 25th Street, New York City
www.newyorkvintage.com
Artists & Fleas, 70 North 7th Street, Brooklyn
www.artistandfleas.com
Where to Escape
You’ve done The Highline, clocked The Statue of Liberty and even took in a show or two on Broadway – now what? Argosy Book Store is what. The family run shop in midtown is the oldest of its kind in the city, and home to six floors of rare, out-of-print and used books. In short, it’s heaven for any bibliophile. If music is more your thing, there’s no shortage of jazz bars, but we go for The Carlyle every time, you can even catch Woody Allen performing on certain nights. For something a bit more risqué, Duane Park is the place to be for an evening of burlesque—tasteful of course!
Argosy Book Store, 116 E 59th Street, New York City
www.argosybooks.com
The Carlyle, 35 E 76th Street, New York City
www.rosewoodhotels.com
Duane Park, 308 Bowery, New York City
www.duaneparknyc.com
