Fashion Week Series // New York City
Fashion Week - the most important calendar event for mavens de mode from around the world — those fabulous few days which see designers, models, influencers and media converge on a few chosen cities to transform its streets and venues into a street-style show to remember.
This week was New York’s turn — soon to be followed by London, Milan, and finally, Paris for the final showdown of the year — and the city that never sleeps did not disappoint. Our agency team at The Ink Collective has been in town and burning the candle at both ends all week to make sure we get the scoop on all the happenings of the event, and meeting and greeting #EmergingDesigners for our upcoming Spotlight Series (NY Edition), in collaborations with our client Tidlrs.com. Stay tuned for the fresh website coming soon.
In the meantime, and while we’ve been exploring the city, we’ve also compiled a listing of our top hotspots for dining, drinking, socialising and sleeping (in case you want to try) — check them out here as part of our latest Prêt-A-Partir Series — NYFW#19.
New York City Official Insta: @nycgov
– EAT
Cecconi’s Dumbo
For those who can’t get into Soho House but still want to dine with waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline, rub shoulders with the city’s hip and well-heeled, and experience the V.I.P vibe in all its golden glory — there’s Cecconi’s Dumbo — the public restaurant arm of Manhattan’s uber-exclusive members-only club.
Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park and housed within a 19th-century coffee warehouse on a prime chunk of waterfront, this modern day classic Italian restaurant helmed by executive chef Riccardo Bilotta (the Lambs Club, A Voce Columbus Circle) is where New York’s elite, classy and cultured convene for lunch, cicchetti, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch.
Inside, this place is a sight for sore eyes — all crisp white tablecloths, sparkling glass chandeliers, and black-and-white mosaic marble floors contrasted against peacock-blue chair. But while it’s immaculately-designed décor, is beautiful, even that is no match for the stunning panorama that awaits patrons outside.
Get a spot on the awning-covered patio if you can, order a Negroni from one of the white tux-wearing barmen, then just sit back and take in that view — there’s really nothing else to it, and nothing quite like it. Guaranteed.
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website: cecconisdumbo.com/
Insta: @cecconisdumbo
Sant Ambroeus
Sant Ambroeus, Madison Avenue, re-opened it’s shiny glass and metal doors in June of 2005, and since then it has remained a regular magnet for espresso-loving locals, curious tourists and the occasional celebrity or four.
Staying true and authentic to its Milanese origins (the original Sant Ambroeus opened its doors in Milan in 1936), this spot is as cosy as it is popular, and has made a name for itself (and successfully expanded to four more locations around the city) by serving up delicious culturally-inspired delicacies from the motherland. Think: cappuccinos and cornettos, juicy paninis for lunchtime, and, of course, coffee drinks; with delectable cakes, cookies and gelati for dessert.
Reserve a seat at one of the cute little candle lit tables up front by the window overlooking Madison Avenue and you might even catch the likes of Bono, Lenny Kravitz, Harrison Ford or Matt Dillon — apparently.
Address: 1000 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021
Website: www.santambroeus.com/
Insta: @santambroeus
– PLAY
Sleep No More
If you want to run away from reality for one evening, this theatrical experience is one of the best ways to do so. Sleep No More is both a show and a game — and from the moment you step into the surreal surroundings at the McKittrick Hotel, you’re swept up in the ambience and atmosphere of an eerie film noir — and it’s altogether dark, delicious, and totally mystifying.
Not for the faint-hearted — or those that need or want to hold someone’s hand — at the beginning of the show everyone gets a card which indicates your group and often separates the players from their friends for an even more immersive experience; so you can easily go to this show alone, because it truly is a singular adventure and no one person’s trip will be the same! For that reason also, we would recommend to go to SleepNo More couple of times for best results, that way you’ll get to go to all rooms, and experience the magic of this incredible production to the fullest.
If you want to continue your evening after the main event, then get a ticket with an open bar and head down to the dim-lit, speakeasy style Manderly Bar — the perfect nightcap spot for an aperitif and cocktails post-show, where you’ll be greeted by an old-world vibe, actors in period costume and live jazz shows and entertainment all night long.
Address: 530 West 27th Street New York, NY 10001
Website: mckittrickhotel.com/sleep-no-more/
Insta: @sleepnomorenyc
Dumbo House
Located at the same swanky address, but not to be confused by the public restaurant of Cecconi’s (spotlighted above) — Dumbo House is one of the newest outposts by the network of members' clubs known as Soho House. They also have 18 other locations around the world, dotted across the UK, Berlin, Istanbul, Barcelona, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Toronto.
A luxury oasis with views of the Manhattan skyline — this one is regularly frequented by a classy and uber-exclusive crowd hand-picked by the house and representing the créme de la crémé of New York high society. In a nutshell, this place is where the rich, famous and ultra-fashionable go to see, be seen and chill out.
If you are a member (or know someone that can vouch for your entry with them in tow)* — then go there before the end of warm days in New York. You won’t be disappointed.
*One of the main differences of Dumbo House is that you can't stay there as a hotel guest, so your only chance to swim in its pool with a killer view is to be a member of the Soho House Club or to be the guest of a member.
Address: 55 Water Street, Brooklyn, Ny 11201
Website: dumbohouse.com/house
Insta: @sohohousenewyork
AIRE Ancient Baths
Tucked into the heart of TriBeCa, away from the fast-paced rhythm of downtown and seeped in an atmosphere of pure magic and sophistication, this place simply put is a tranquil temple dedicated to the relaxation of body and mind.
An oasis inspired by the tradition of baths from ancient Roman, Greek and Ottoman civilizations, the AIRE Experience always takes place in restored historical buildings in the center of cities, and this spa venue — all candles, lanterns and steam swirling around exposed brick walls and columns magically takes you back to Roman bathing traditions, one calming breath at a time.
Address: 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013
Website: https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-newyork
Insta: @aireancientbaths_us
– DRINK
Gitano NY
A Mexican paradise ensconced in stone jungles. Originally hailing from the chic, sun-kissed outpost of Tulum — this one of our absolute favourites when we are holidaying in the Riviera Maya — so we were over the moon when the founders decide to spread their wings and open a summer pop-up bar in Downtown New York.
Head here for amazing cocktails (try the Jungle Fever - it’s our fave for a mezcal mix with a chilli/lime kick) and to sip your poison of choice in the greenest spot in Manhattan after Central Park. The perfect choice for people who have no time to go on vacation, but want to get away from the hustle and bustle for a night, surrounded by good music, a cool crowd and festive ambience.
Our tip? Get there early — this place is always full after work, and even more packed during Fashion Week!
Address: 23 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Website: grupogitano.com/gardenoflove
Insta: @grupo.gitano
Harriet's Rooftop & Lounge at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Located on the rooftop of 1 Hotel, just across the Brooklyn Bridge, this old-fashioned cocktail lounge with a spectacular Manhattan skyline view to match, is the perfect spot for a mimosa (or three) after Sunday brunch in Williamsburg. Get the best of both worlds, and go for relaxation in its spa during the day, then creative & crafty cocktails with an amazing vista in the evening, and live DJs spinning custom playlists in a rich-yet-refined ambiance.
Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Website: www.1hotels.com/brooklyn-bridge
Insta: @1hotels
– STAY
PUBLIC Hotel
Opened by creators of iconic Studio 54, and known as a hotspot for top supermodels and the likes of Asap Rocky, this place is both fun and fabulous, and a supremely cool place to stay during the height of Fashion Week. To boot, it’s a beautiful hotel which combines modern flashing escalators with a classic American lounge bar on the second floor, and top cuisine for diners and guests via its Louis Restaurant and Public Kitchen. You’ll also find an amazing bar on the top floor, which will often play host to a string of Fashion Week afterparties, so you won’t have to go to far for a party during the city’s most fashionable calendar event of the year. After the bar, e recommend you definitely go to Public Arts, the nightclub inspired by Studio 54. Enjoy!
Address: 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, USA
Website: www.publichotels.com
Insta: @publichotels
The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
An icon of American architecture from the 18th century, this grand dame is the more classic choice to stay while visiting New York during Fashion Week and beyond. One of the oldest hotels in the city, The Beekman, is old world glamour meets modern luxury. Although the hotel opened in 2016, the once-abandoned building dates back to 1883 and now holds landmark status in the city of New York; and it's not only a historical place, but also a favourite of fashionistas — brands like Maison Margiela often throw parties in this hotel for Fashion Week.
Address: 123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038, USA
Website: www.thebeekman.com
Insta: @thebeekmanny
