However, in doing so, you will miss so much of the magic that goes on. I am here to help you know where to find the best eats, the best places to stay, and the best place to grab a drink (martini, cappuccino, or otherwise) when you just need to sit down and kick off your Manolo’s.
While most of the shows take place at Lincoln Center, others are scattered about town, so it makes it easier to adventure out to some of the best eateries, bars and hotels when you are wanting the best experience. And like I said, even if you’re a local or weren’t lucky enough to score a coveted show invite, visiting some of the places on our list may put you in direct contact with the crème de le crème of the fashion world. And is there a better time of year to people watch? The street style fashion against a Manhattan backdrop is a wonderful show in itself.
I will get on with it, as I know you have a lot to get to this week.
Chances are you’ve parked your luggage at a place in the city already, but if you are coming in late, are looking an upgrade, or would just like some insight to the best hotels to check out, we have our top three list for the area. The Gramercy Park hotel offers a nice rooftop terrace café, as well as great lunch and dinner selections. The hotel also hosts several of the week’s after-parties. The midtown hotel, Quin allows you direct access to your own Bergdorf Goodman personal shopper and high-end toiletries if you’re looking for decadence. Lastly, the Ludlow Hotel downtown is elegant, featuring sheepskin throws and silk rugs. This is a top pick for best lobby bar, as the ambiance is cozy and private.
Next, let us move onto the best breakfast and coffee shops to hit when you rise and shine each morning. Coffee is a must-have when you spend the day show hopping, meeting with business partners, friends or just perusing the shops all day. Loews Regency Hotel is the place to meet for breakfast. Located on Park Avenue, regulars call this the birthplace of the power breakfast. If you don’t have for a full breakfast, grab a cup of coffee at the hotels Sant Ambroeus Coffee bar. A Milanese style coffee bar that brews a special brand of coffee and features a pristine, jewel box atmosphere. There is also Greenwich Avenues Bluestone Lane Collective Café, an airy space that offers delicious espresso and egg sandwiches.
For casual dinner and drinks, the Burger Joint is a fun little old school eatery that offers quality burgers and fries, and is still close enough to Lincoln Center, inside Le Parker Meridian, that you won’t feel rushed. Although make sure you have some cash on you when you do, as they are still old school enough to not take credit cards.
For something a little more high-end, but still not to “sceney”, visit the West Village’s Whitehall. A great place to catch a good fashion crowd with a relaxed vibe. A favorite dish of the owner’s wife? The vegetable curry with jasmine rice and sprouts. There is also Narcissa, an East Village eatery that combines Californian cuisine with organic, local produce.
And let’s not forget the shopping. After all, we aren’t here to just LOOK. Well, ok, some of us are, but sometimes you can’t resist picking up a high-end piece or two, and browsing the fashion markets that pop up throughout the city. Opening Ceremony is a great place to find a mix of street wear and high-end fashion, so there is something for everyone.
Treasure and Bond is another shop in Soho that carries a highly edited collection of clothes, accessories and home goods. A plus to this posh spot is that 100% of their proceeds go to help good causes.
And lastly, if you’re ahead of the game and your S/S 2015 closet is stocked, stop by Gotham West Market to shop for luxury coffee and kitchenwares to take you through the fall holiday season.
I hope wherever you find yourself this week, that you take time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty that comes to the city when the world’s top designers present their blood, sweat and tears to the masses. Hoping that we are moved by the art they have created, if only for a fleeting New York moment.